Prosecutors drop case over home 'rocket launcher'

Criminal charges which followed the discovery of an alleged rocket launcher at a property have been dropped.

Residents in Christchurch, Dorset, were forced to leave their homes for four days after police cordoned off an address in Suffolk Avenue early on 15 June.

John Davis, 61, Jacqueline Davis, 60, and James Davis, 33, were charged with offences including making explosives with intent to endanger life or property.

They remain charged with firearms offences, but prosecutors said the explosives charges including the alleged rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) device had been discontinued.

Dorset Police thanked residents for their patience after the cordon was lifted at about 18:00 BST on 18 June.

Det Ch Insp Paul Graham previously said: "We fully recognise and appreciate the impact this will have had on residents and we really thank everyone for their support.

"It has been a very challenging and complex search and the cordon was absolutely vital to ensure the safety of everyone involved."

The accused trio are due to appear before Southampton magistrates on Monday.

They remain charged with possessing offensive weapons in private and gun licence breaches.