A 28-year-old man has been detained on suspicion of making explosives with bomb squad personnel trying to dispose of his creation including 500 canisters
A massive evacuation of more than 70 residents has been ordered after emergency services made the discovery of explosive chemicals in a property.
The alarming find was made at a waterfront property in St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex, on Thursday. A major incident was declared as first responders worked to make sure local residents were safe with 73 people, including children, were forced to move from the A259 Marina road to a nearby hotel.
A 28-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of producing illegal substances and making an explosive substance. A 100m cordon was set up around the area. The Explosive Ordnance Disposal team have since confirmed the chemicals could “pose a threat to life” and carried out a controlled burn of the concerning materials. Operations to make a further 500 canisters safe continue.
It is not yet clear when the displaced residents will be allowed to return home. There is also concern the Hastings Half Marathon on Sunday might have to be cancelled.
A spokesperson for the Sussex Police said: “Significant progress has been made in making safe chemicals found in a house on the A259 in St Leonards on Thursday (20 March). 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 (22 March).
“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 suspect has also been detained under the Mental Health Act.
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.”