A former PCSO and Lincolnshire Police staff member has been charged with weapon and explosives offences.

Lincolnshire Police confirmed Zoe Watts, 34, had been arrested on Sunday. She was subsequently charged with one count of importing prohibited weapons with intent to evade a prohibition or restriction and one count of making an explosive substance for an unlawful purpose.

The Force has confirmed that she had been a PCSO but has now been suspended while the investigation takes place.

On Sunday residents in St Helen’s Avenue, Lincoln were evacuated from their homes while a search was carried out at a property.

In a statement, Lincolnshire confirmed a number of weapons have been recovered along with chemicals of a potentially explosive nature.

Watts appeared before Lincoln Magistrates yesterday. 

Assistant Chief Constable Kerrin Wilson said: “We know that this is an unusual and worrying incident which will concern our communities.

"We within Lincolnshire Police share these feelings and although this relates to someone who works for the force, we will investigate this meticulously without fear or favour.

He also urged the local community not to discuss details of the investigation on social media.

“This is an active investigation which means that engaging in rumour and speculation – especially on any public platforms such as social media – can have a detrimental effect on any potential court proceedings.

“I fully understand that people will wish to be kept informed and we will continue to release as much detail as we can, as soon as we can."