Major Derby ‘explosives’ replace after 200 houses evacuated in dramatic scenes
Around 200 homes were evacuated following a warrant at an address in Vulcan Street on December 4, with two men arrested on suspicion of explosives offences under investigation
Police have issued an update after 200 homes were evacuated in a dramatic “explosives” incident earlier this week. The evacuation zone was put in place following a warrant at an address in Vulcan Street in Derby.
Officers said they were acting on intelligence about materials at an address. Two men, in their 40s and 50s, were arrested on suspicion of explosives-related charges. Both men, who are Polish nationals, have now been released on bail and investigations are ongoing, Derbyshire Live reports.
Police said there “has been no change in the direction of the investigation, it is still not being treated as terror related, and there is no information to suggest any wider risk to the public.”
Officers confirmed the matter is being examined under the Explosives Act 1875. All substances have been cleared from the property and securely stored.
The evacuation operation involved Derbyshire Police, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service, East Midlands Ambulance Service and Derby City Council, alongside the Salvation Army and Pakistani Community Centre. Displaced residents were provided with overnight hotel accommodation where needed.
Superintendent Becky Webster said: “While residents have been allowed back to their homes, we understand that the impact of this incident does not stop there. A team of detectives has been working round the clock, alongside specialist partners, to help understand the materials found.
“I want to be very clear that this is being investigated as offences under the Explosives Act 1875, and there is no information to suggest any intent to harm others or any terrorist related matters.
“The men arrested have been released on strict police bail restrictions, while officers continue to work to test those materials found at the address.”
She added: “This is a time-consuming process and not one that can be hurried. However, all the materials have been removed from the address, and are safely stored with no risks to the public.
“I would like to once again thank everyone in the community for their support in recent days, we know that the inconvenience caused, and the concerns raised, are not easy, and we remain committed to ensuring that updates are provided as soon as possible to ensure that the public are kept informed.”
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