Bomb squad carries out controlled burn of chemicals found at St Leonards address
Police have evacuated 73 people after the discovery of explosive chemicals at an East Sussex seafront property.
The bomb squad has carried out a controlled burn of explosive chemicals discovered at a property in St Leonards as they continue operations to make safe a further 500 canisters.
A 28-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of producing illegal substances and making an explosive substance for an unlawful purpose after police attended a property on the A259 Marina in the East Sussex town on Thursday.
A major incident was declared on Friday as 73 people were evacuated from their homes after a 100-metre cordon was put in place.
A Sussex Police spokesman said that it was not yet known when the occupants would be allowed to return or whether the Hastings Half Marathon would go ahead on Sunday as planned.
He 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 spokesman added that the arrested suspect had now been detained under the Mental Health Act while inquiries continued.
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.”
