A 28-year-old man has been arrested after police evacuated homes in St Leonards, East Sussex, following the discovery of ‘explosive’ chemicals that ‘pose a threat to life’.
A major incident has been declared – but it is not being treated as terror-related, Sussex Police said, after the force attended the address on the A259 Marina in the seaside town yesterday and found chemicals inside.
A man, 28, has been arrested on suspicion of producing illegal substances and making an explosive substance for an unlawful purpose. He remains in police custody.
People living within the 100-metre cordon in place between Caves Road and Sussex Road – which extends to some properties to the north on West Hill Road – have been advised by police to leave for their own safety.
Hastings Borough Council has set up a rest centre for any residents who have been displaced by the chaos at the nearby Royal Victoria Hotel, which is east of the cordon.
The A259 Marina in St Leonards is closed from the junction with Caves Road and Sussex Road.
The town is due to host a marathon this weekend and it is not clear if the event will be diverted or cancelled.
A Sussex Police spokesman said: ‘The emergency response to a report about suspected chemicals found at an address in St Leonards has now been declared a major incident.
A 28-year-old man has been arrested after police evacuated homes in St Leonards, East Sussex, following the discovery of ‘explosive’ chemicals that ‘pose a threat to life’. Pictured: The cordon in place at the scene
A major incident has been declared – but it is not being treated as terror-related, Sussex Police said. Pictured: The cordon in place at the scene
‘The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team have confirmed chemicals found inside a property on the A259 Marina on Thursday (20 March) are explosive and pose a threat to life.
‘However at this time, it is not believed to be a terror-related incident.’
They added: ‘Officers have attended all properties within this area and spoken with residents and we continue to urge those who remain within the defined cordon to leave to ensure their own safety.
‘Well-established plans are in place with partners working together as part of the Sussex Resilience Forum in which organisations prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies.’
Superintendent Michelle Palmer-Harris said: ‘This is a complex but isolated incident, being supported by multiple agencies, resulting in the necessary evacuation of properties immediately surrounding the address for safety reasons.
‘I would like to thank those residents affected and the wider community in St Leonards for their patience and support.
‘The declaration of a major incident allows emergency services and other partner agencies to work together effectively to keep the public safe.’