A BOMB disposal unit was last night still working to remove canisters containing an unknown substance from a house in Cowley.

The Royal Logistic Corps unit was called to Brasenose Driftway on Tuesday evening after contractors working at the house discovered evidence of “soil contamination”, according to Thames Valley Police.

Further inspection yesterday at the empty premises revealed a “small number” of canisters containing an unidentified substance, which police believe was the cause of the contamination.

Neither the police nor the MoD would reveal what the substance might have been, nor any more details about the canisters.

The road, along with part of Fletcher Road and some footpaths, were closed and remained that way last night as the Ministry of Defence team worked to remove the containers from the scene.

Residents were warned to stay inside and shut their windows and doors, but police insisted the situation posed no risk to the public.

Kathy Dossett, who lives near the house, said she was worried about seeing a bomb disposal unit in her street and that her immediate concerns were with her elderly neighbours along the road.

The 67-year-old, who has lived there for seven years, said: “We have a 95-year-old here.

“They won’t tell us anything and I think it is unfair.

“They should at least tell us if there is any danger and I am very surprised because you never get anything like this happening around here.

“I am concerned for the elderly people here.”

Fellow resident Trevor Forbes said he was also concerned to see the Army unit, especially as there were lots of children playing in the area.

Mr Forbes, who has lived in Brasenose Driftway for 20 years, added: “It is a surprise because we walk around most days so we hope it is going to be nothing serious.

“Children play all along here and kids run around so it is a bit of a concern if there is anything suspicious there, but we do not know what the situation is. I have never seen anything like this.”

Another resident, Caine Taylor, 20, added: “It is a bit concerning to wake up to this and we want to know that we are safe.

“I’m worried that this is on my street and we have the right to know.”

Thames Valley Police spokeswoman Michelle Campbell said the MoD would take away a sample of the soil for testing in a bid to determine the full extent of the contamination.

MoD spokeswoman Sandi Hill said it had received a call out from the police at 5.50pm on Tuesday and yesterday said the incident was “ongoing”.

Responding to the road closures, Oxfordshire County Council said in a statement: “Access to Cranmer Road should be made via Ridley Road or Hollow Way.

“Access to Fletcher Road, Yeats Close and Burton Place will be permitted subject to the authorisation of the police.”