Kubilay Bostani pleaded not guilty today to having an explosive substance in Devizes after a bomb alert.

Bostani, 22, of Anzio Road was arrested by police after the bomb squad was called to the road where he lived on October 23. People were evacuated from their homes after a suspicious substance was found.

He appeared before Bournemouth Crown Court today and pleaded not guilty to having an explosive substance for an unlawful purpose, possession of a knife blade in a public place, possession of a class B drugs and harassment without violence.

He has been remanded in custody until April 1.

The drama started at around 12.30pm on October 23 when police were called to Anzio Road and evacuated people from their homes.

They were not allowed back home until late in the evening when a cordon was lifted. Many people were worried about animals they had left behind and getting messages to children due home from school.

Evacuees were looked after at the nearby Hour Glass pub where Wiltshire Council gave out advice and others were given warm drinks at the fire service training centre on t he Hopton Industrial Estate.

Bostani was arrested that evening after extensive investigations.

Duty Supt Chris Chammings said at the time: “This incident has understandably had a large impact on the local community, specifically those residents who have been evacuated from their homes for a lengthy period of time."