A fraud bust in Worle spiraled into a bomb‑squad operation that displaced more than 150 residents.
On the morning of 30 September 2026 officers from Avon and Somerset Police arrived at a modest property on Becket Road in Worle, a suburb of Weston-super-Marine, to execute an arrest linked to a fraud investigation. The target was a 70-year-old resident suspected of committing fraud by false representation, a charge that initially required only a standard custody and interview.
During the preliminary sweep of the premises, detectives uncovered several containers that appeared to hold chemicals and other suspicious material. Recognising the potential danger, they called in the specialist Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team as a precaution. The presence of what later proved to be explosive substances transformed a routine fraud stop into a large-scale public safety operation.
Arrest, fraud probe and explosive find
The police intervention began at 11:15 am, when officers knocked on the front door and placed the suspect under arrest for the alleged fraud. While securing the individual, an initial search of the house revealed two metal tubs that emitted an unusual odor.
These were identified as possible containers for homemade explosives, prompting the immediate involvement of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit, an expert team trained to render dangerous explosive devices safe. By 12:30 pm, the EOD squad had arrived on scene and began a risk assessment, recommending the establishment of a safety perimeter.
At approximately 1:30 pm a 100-metre cordon was erected around the property, encompassing a block of residential homes. The cordon was designed to keep the public away while the EOD specialists prepared to conduct a thorough, room-by-room search. Because several occupants were still present inside the cordoned area, the EOD team had to wait until the remaining residents could be safely evacuated before beginning their work.
Cordon, evacuations and community support
Police, in collaboration with North Somerset Council, coordinated the evacuation of 153 homes within the cordoned zone. Temporary accommodation was set up first at Castle Batch Community Centre, then shifted to The Campus in Weston-super-Marine, where residents could access basic amenities. Local businesses volunteered food and refreshments, demonstrating a strong sense of community spirit during the disruption.
After the final occupants were moved out, the EOD team entered the suspect’s house at around 7:30 pm. Their inspection uncovered a cache of explosive material, which was safely removed and later destroyed. In addition to the explosives, officers seized a firearm (an air rifle) and a small quantity of illegal drugs. All hazardous items were catalogued, secured, and taken away for forensic analysis, while the suspect was re-arrested on the additional charge of possessing explosive substances for unlawful purposes.
Charges, court appearance and ongoing investigation
Following the intensive search, the 70-year-old man, identified as Peter Bissell, appeared before Bristol Magistrates’ Court on 3 October 2026. He faced two principal charges: possession of explosive substances for unlawful purposes and possession of a firearm without a certificate. The magistrates remanded him in custody, scheduling a further hearing at Bristol Crown Court for the following week.
Superintendent Jen Appleford of North Somerset Policing highlighted the multi-agency effort required to resolve the incident, noting the indispensable roles of the police dogs unit, specialist search teams, fire and ambulance services, as well as NHS staff assisting displaced residents. She reassured the public that the incident appeared to be isolated, with no broader threat identified, and encouraged anyone with additional information to contact the police.
By the early hours of 1 October 2026, the cordon was lifted at 6:15 am, allowing residents to return to their homes. A secondary, non-residential site near the A370 was inspected by EOD later that morning, but no further hazardous material was found. Investigations continue, and authorities remain vigilant for any new leads that could clarify the motives behind the explosive cache and the original fraud allegations.
