A WELL-KNOWN scientist from Aberystwyth was arrested and later released after police attended his home in Devon.

Dr Chris Busby, an expert on the effects of radioactive pollution on health and chemical weapons who has been critical of the UK Government’s handlings of the Salisbury poisoning, was arrested by Devon and Cornwall Police after officers reported feeling unwell during a call to the 73-year-old’s property in Bideford on Wednesday morning.

Police had initially attended the address over “concerns for a woman’s welfare”, but when officers complained of feeling unwell and were checked over by an ambulance Hazardous Area Response Team, a search of the property found items which “required analysis from specialist officers and a bomb disposal team”.

After arresting and then releasing Mr Busby, police confirmed that “enquiries taking place at a property in Bideford are not being treated as criminal, but as a matter of public safety.”

“One man was arrested under the explosives act but has since been released with no further action being taken,” a spokesperson for Devon and Cronwall police said.

“Police were called at around 11.30am on Wednesday, 12 September following concerns for the welfare of a woman in Bideford.

“Initial enquiries led officers to attend an address in Bridge Street, Bideford.

“Whilst at the address, some of our officers complained of feeling unwell and were immediately removed from the scene and a cordon put in place.

“The ambulance Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) attended and treated these officers, all of whom are unharmed and have since returned to duty.

“Following searches within the property, a number of items were found which required expert analysis from specialist officers and an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team.”

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