HOMES have been evacuated in a Herefordshire village after threats were made to set fire to a property.

Police officers closed roads in Rushall after first being called to an address in the village at 5.10pm last night.

Sarah Buxton, from West Mercia Police, told the Hereford Times: "Due to the nature of the threats and the presence of a number of gas canisters at the location, residents from two nearby homes have been found alternative accommodation, while officers assess the situation and make sure that the property is safe.

“Extensive searches of the property are planned to establish if the threats made were credible or not. While this is happening, a road in Rushall will remain closed.”

The police confirmed that a man in his 50s has been arrested in connection with the incident and is currently in custody helping officers with their inquiries.