A STREET in Aberystwyth town centre has been evacuated and a man arrested following reports of loud bangs.

Dyfed-Powys Police was called to a property on Loveden Road at 7.20pm on Wednesday evening following reports of a number of ‘loud bangs’ coming from the vicinity of a property on Loveden Road, which runs between Queen’s Road and North Road.

Residents have been evacuated from properties in the area, with a reception centre set up at Plascrug Leisure Centre.

At around 3.30pm today, residents along Queen’s Road were evacuated and told to head to Plascrug.

A police spokesperson said: “Dyfed-Powys Police was called at about 7.20pm on Wednesday evening, 7th September 2022, to a report of a number of loud bangs coming from the vicinity of a property in the Loveden Road area of Aberystwyth.

“A 36-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of an explosive substance and currently remains in police custody.

“As a result of further enquiries and advice from MoD explosives experts, we have implemented a cordon, which will see local properties evacuated.

Police cordon
Police cars outside the town library (Alex Bowen)

“We are working with other emergency services and the local authority to minimise the impact on the community and bring this incident to a close as safely and quickly as possible.

“The local authority has set up a reception centre at Plascrug Leisure Centre to support anyone displaced by the incident.”

The public library on Queen’s Road is also closed due to the incident.

Ceredigion County Council posted on social media: “Due to the evacuation near Loveden Road area of Aberystwyth, Plascrug Leisure Centre is being used as a rest centre for those living in properties near the incident.

“The Alun R.Edwards Centre will remain closed until further notice.”