A team of police officers and an explosives sniffer dog have gone into Noel and Shirley Sims' home in Bourne Road, Colsterworth, to check no booby traps have been left inside.

Police say the measures are being taken as a precaution after Mr Sims, who has been arrested, made threats to use explosives if officials tried to take his home away.

A spokesman said bailiffs approached Mr Sims as he returned to his home earlier today.

As they explained the legal possession proceedings to him, Mr Sims became aggressive and was arrested to "prevent a breach of the peace".

The couple were evicted from their home by Highways Agency officials this lunchtime. Mr Sims is being detained at Grantham Police Station and Mrs Sims has been taken away in a police car.

Electricity company E-on has been to the house to cut off the supply.

The couple had refused to leave their home, which has been bought by compulsory purchase order to make way for a new A1 junction.

They were offered £300,000 for the house, which they have lived in for over 30 years, but said they wanted £600,000 before they would agree to leave.

The deadline for them to leave was August 8.

David Bingham, a friend of the couple, is at Grantham Police Station.

Mr Bingham said Mr and Mrs Sims plan to live in a caravan on land next to their home now they have been evicted.

Highways officials are giving a briefing on the action to media at Grantham Police Station later this afternoon. Keep checking back here for updates.