A suspect is in hospital under armed guard after an explosion in Cornwall at the weekend.

What was initially thought to be a gas explosion has since led to the arrest of a man in his 40s after police searching his home found suspected explosive materials and chemicals.

Police have now shared an update on the incident which took place on Delaware Road, Drakewells on Sunday evening. 

The Packet reported on Monday that a man was taken to hospital with life-changing injuries following the incident, initially believed to be a gas explosion.

However, after the discovery of the suspected explosives, he has now been arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosive Substances Act 1883. He remains in hospital receiving treatment under police guard.

A Devon and Cornwall spokesperson said: “Police remain at a property in Drakewalls following a report of a suspected gas explosion on Sunday 12 May and enquiries are ongoing to establish the cause of the incident.

“While we have been searching the property, a quantity of suspected explosive materials and chemicals have also been found.

“We are working with national specialists, Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service and the Royal Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team, to make these items safe.

“A 46-year-old man, who sustained life-changing injuries, has been arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosive Substances Act 1883. He remains in hospital receiving treatment under police guard.”

Detective Inspector Dan Mckenzie confirmed that this incident is not being treated as a terrorism incident, and there is no risk to the wider public. However, as a precaution, residents living nearby have had to leave their homes while examinations are ongoing.

The detective thanked people in the local community for their understanding and support of the increased emergency service presence in the area over the past few days.

The police and partner agencies including Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service and the Royal Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team remain at the property in Drakewells and a 100m cordon is in place while investigations continue to be carried out.