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A 49-year-old Blackwood man was arrested after a bomb hoax which saw police cordon the area off and evacuate residents from their homes.

Gwent Police it was called at around 11.50am on Sunday June 1 after a suspicious device was found in a garden near Rhys Road, Blackwood.

In a statement the force said: “Specialist trained personnel from the army’s explosive ordnance disposal unit (EOD) attended to assist our officers with the examination and disposal of the object.

“Nearby houses were evacuated, and a cordon put in place as a preliminary caution.

“The suspicious device was destroyed near the scene by the EOD, who later advised that the device was not a viable explosive.

“Officers later arrested a Blackwood man, 49, on suspicion of attempted arson, criminal damage and placing a hoax bomb with intent.

“He was later released on bail and enquiries continue.”

Police are still appealing for information to help its investigations and can be contacted by calling 101, direct message on social media, and via its website quoting log reference 2500172704.

People can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or via its website.

A previous version of this article incorrectly in the first paragraph stated a 39-year-old man was arrested.