A bomb squad has burned explosive chemicals in a skip after they were discovered at a property in East Sussex – with police still investigating a further 500 canisters.
Residents were evacuated from their homes and a 100-metre cordon put in place in the seaside town of St Leonards on Thursday.
Explosive chemicals that ‘pose a threat to life’ were discovered at an address on the A259 Marina.
A further 500 canisters containing unknown chemicals were also found, although these are not considered to be explosive, police have said.
A 28-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of producing illegal substances and making an explosive substance for an unlawful purpose.
Police said he has now been detained under the Mental Health Act, while their investigations continue.
A major incident was declared on Friday and it is not yet known when the 73 neighbours will be able to return.
Many have been holed up at a rest centre set by the Hastings Borough Council in the nearby Royal Victoria Hotel.
A bomb squad is seen carrying out a controlled explosion of dangerous chemicals in a skip on Saturday
The hunt for the illegal substances in St Leonards, East Sussex, has now entered its second day after a ‘major incident’ was declared in the seaside town
Emergency services at the scene on the A259 Marina, as residents have been evacuated
In their latest update on Saturday, Sussex Police said: ‘Significant progress has been made in making safe chemicals found in a house on the A259 in St Leonards on Thursday.
‘The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team successfully removed the desensitised chemicals from the house and carried out a controlled burn in a skip near the sea wall on Saturday morning.
‘Searches by EOD are continuing this morning for any other hazardous materials in the house, to ensure the house is clear of explosive material and the area is safe.
‘Around 500 additional canisters have also been found containing unknown chemicals, although these are not considered to be explosive.
‘They will be tested and assessed by East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and national specialists following the completion of the EOD’s search.
‘EOD’s initial assessment found large quantities of one material that indicated explosive elements in it. Scientific experiments are now being undertaken to determine the exact nature of the chemical.’
The spokesman added that an update on the Hastings Half Marathon, which is due to be run on Sunday along the road, would be provided as soon as possible.
Explosive chemicals that ‘pose a threat to life’ were discovered at an address on the A259 Marina on Thursday (picture from the scene)
Emergency services at the scene on the A259 Marina, as residents have been evacuated
Dozens of people living within a 100-metre cordon in place Caves Road and Sussex Road have been told to leave the area for their own safety
Sussex Police attended the address on the A259 Marina on Thursday where they found the chemicals which they say ‘pose a threat to life’
Chief Inspector James Scott said: ‘All partners are working hard to resolve the incident as swiftly as possible and allow residents to return to their homes as soon as it is safe.
‘We appreciate everyone’s support and ongoing patience. We know this has been incredibly disruptive.
‘Investigations are ongoing however, from evidence gathered so far, there is no indication that the 28-year-old man arrested intended to cause harm either to himself of anybody else.
‘We cannot put an exact timeframe of when the cordon will be reduced and residents can return to their homes but we should know more late afternoon.
‘We believe a decision on the half marathon will be made around this time. Further updates will be delivered as soon as they are available.’