AN East Lancashire teenager who sparked a mass evacuation of homes during a terror attack scare will not face criminal charges.

Police yesterday issued Joseph Buckley, 17, with an official caution following the incident in Grane Street, Haslingden, in which bomb making chemicals were seized.

Chemicals and home-made explosives were found in a bedroom of the terraced house after police swooped on the house in the days before Christmas.

The bomb squad carried out four controlled explosions and 40 people were evacuated during the eight-hour operation sparked when officers executed a search warrant on an unconnected incident.

The chemistry student, was arrested on suspicion of possessing explosive devices and bailed pending further inquiries.

However, yesterday detectives said Mr Buckley, "an over enthusiastic chemistry student," had no case to answer and issued him with the caution.

Neighbours Mr Buckley lived with his parents and a sister at the house.

Police today said they would continue to vigorously investigate reports of people possessing explosives.

Detective Inspector Marie Jackson said: "After full consideration of all the facts and circumstances in this case it was decided that a police caution was the most appropriate action to take.

"Incidents involving potentially explosive materials would always be taken seriously and investigated thoroughly."