More than 100 homes have been evacuated as an army bomb disposal team was deployed to the area after “a number of suspicious items” were found at a property.

South Yorkshire Police established a 100-metre cordon around the property in Grimethorpe, Barnsley, after police executed a warrant on Brierley Road.

A 57-year-old woman and a 58-year-old man have been arrested on suspicion of offences under the Firearms Act and remain in custody.

About 130 homes were being evacuated, the force said – with affected residents told they may be out of their properties for 48 hours.

“Anyone evacuating is asked to pack a bag with all the essentials you may need for the next couple of days,” a police spokesman said.

“Please consider any medication you may require and what arrangements need to be put in place for your pets.”

The spokesman added: “Emergency services, the army’s explosive ordnance disposal team and other partners remain in the area.”

A large number of emergency services personnel and vehicles were still in the village on Wednesday, including a Royal Logistics Corps bomb disposal truck, which had a robot vehicle positioned next to it.

People said the police activity was focused on a nearby disused church building and adjoining house, which has been in the process of being renovated for a number of years.

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Barnsley Council has opened a rest centre at St Luke’s Church for households with nowhere else to go, as its leader, Sir Steve Houghton, said: “I urge local people to follow the advice from the police and keep them and their families safe.”

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Assistant Chief Constable David Hartley said: “Our heartfelt thanks go to the local residents of Grimethorpe for their continuing cooperation and patience as we carry out our work.

“We know this has caused disruption to people’s daily lives and appreciate your understanding that public safety must come first. We will continue to update you as we have more information to share.”

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