Major incident in Derby as 200 homes evacuated and two arrested over explosives offences

Major incident in Derby as 200 homes evacuated and two arrested over explosives offences

Following a police operation in Derby, around 200 homes were evacuated after a warrant was executed at a property on Vulcan Street, leading to two men being arrested on suspicion of explosives offences. The detainees, aged in their 40s and 50s, were taken into custody on Thursday after Derbyshire Police received intelligence regarding materials found at the address. Authorities clarified that the matter is not being treated as a terrorism-related incident and assured the public that there is no broader threat to the community.

A controlled explosion was conducted at approximately 16:00 GMT as part of the ongoing operation. Derby City Council confirmed arrangements had been made to accommodate those residents affected by the evacuation overnight and in the days ahead. The evacuation zone encompassed several streets, including Vulcan Street, Reeves Road, and Shaftesbury Crescent in their entirety, as well as parts of Harrington Street, Baseball Drive, and Cambridge Street.

Police officials emphasized that the evacuations were a precautionary measure and advised those in the affected areas to prepare for being displaced from their homes for up to 24 hours. By 20:00, officers informed the public that residents would not be able to return to their properties that evening but would be granted brief access if necessary. Superintendent Becky Webster expressed gratitude to those impacted, stating, “Being asked to leave your home under such circumstances is understandably concerning and the support that the emergency services have had has been excellent.”

Among those evacuated were residents such as Amy Anderson from Shaftesbury Crescent, who described the experience as “daunting” and unsettling given the suddenness of the evacuation, especially as she is six months pregnant. A 17-year-old, Esteban from Holcombe Street, recounted waking abruptly to police instructing him to leave, describing the moment as a “very shocking” and confusing start to his day. Derbyshire Police also revealed that the two men arrested are Polish nationals, information shared in accordance with national guidance intended to prevent misinformation. Support was made available at local community centers including the Pakistani Community Centre and The Salvation Army, where volunteers stood ready to assist displaced residents throughout the night

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