'Bomb factory' find not hazardous

Police said there was a potential threat of an explosion at the house

The house at the centre of a major evacuation in Leeds during inquiries into the London bombings does not contain explosives, police now say.

About 600 people had to leave the area around Alexandra Grove in Hyde Park on Tuesday, after officers found what was thought to be hazardous material.

Hundreds of people spent two nights sleeping at a local leisure centre.

Police said people could go back home from 1000 BST on Thursday, though part of Hyde Park Road remained closed.

Base theory

Officers investigating the attacks in London launched simultaneous raids on five other houses, in Beeston, Holbeck and the nearby town of Dewsbury on Tuesday morning.

They used a controlled explosion to enter the sixth house, in Hyde Park, later that day.

About 150 nearby homes were evacuated after officers found what was thought to be explosive material.

On Wednesday, Leeds North West MP Greg Mullholland said the Hyde Park house was not used as a family home and could have stored materials used in last Thursday's bomb attacks.

"It seems that this is an operating base for them rather than any of their homes," Mr Mulholland added.

WEST YORKSHIRE RAIDS 1. 0630 BST: Two houses raided in Beeston 2. Two houses raided at same time in Dewsbury 3. One house raided in Holbeck 4. 1320 BST: Controlled explosion in Burley Suspects: Key facts Cars linked to attacks Viewpoint: Bombers ready to die

The Metropolitan Police said on Thursday it could not discuss whether any explosive material was found in any of the other houses searched, but officers in Leeds confirmed that material found in Hyde Park was not dangerous.

On Thursday, a spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said: "Following extensive investigations with the Army explosives ordnance disposal unit and specialist scientists, it has finally been possible to establish that the material is not hazardous and does not represent a danger to other residents.

"It is therefore now possible for residents to return to their homes and the police cordon can be restricted to 18 Alexandra Grove, which will continue to be subject to further examination by officers investigating the terrorist incidents in London."

The spokesman said there would continue to be a highly visible police presence in the Hyde Park area to reassure residents.

Later, a spokeswoman confirmed that residents from a handful of houses in the area could still not return home.

She said that Hyde Park Road would remain cordoned off between the junctions of Alexandra Grove and Alexandra Road until further notice.