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POLICE have arrested a man over suspected explosives offences after a number of “suspicious items” were discovered in a house.
Neighbours have been evacuated and roads closed in Belper, Derbyshire, after cops were called just after 6pm yesterday.
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During a search, officers found “suspicious items” and have arrested a man on suspicion of explosives offences.
An Explosive Ordnance Disposal team has drawn a 100-metre cordon around the property.
Houses within the zone, which include Acorn Way, Acorn Drive, Swinney Lane and Swinney Bank, have been evacuated.
Officers said the Strutt Centre in Derby Road will act as a rest centre for evacuated people.
A spokesperson said: “As a result of the cordon Acorn Drive is closed at its junction with Mill Street and Swinney Lane is closed between its junction with Mill Street and just after the junction with Swinney Bank.
“At this time there is no indication as to how long the evacuation and road closures will be in place – and we will update our channels as soon as further information is available.”
Some of the evacuated residents sheltered in a nearby pub – the Thorn Tree Inn – bordering the police cordon, one person told the PA news agency.
She said: “From what I can gather, the police have been knocking on the houses, advising people to leave. They’ve not forced them but advised them to go out.
“They’ve told them they’ll ring when it’s safe to return and they’re opening up the Strutt Community Centre for people who live in that area to go to tonight.”
She added that at least three evacuated residents were passing the time there.
Asked how they were feeling about the situation, she said: “They seem okay to be fair. They’re just probably surprised and concerned that you don’t know who is living near you.
“I think they arrested him last night, the chap. The people who live near know who it is.”
In an update from the police they said residents could now return to their homes following the explosives scare.
A spokesperson from Derbyshire Constabulary said: “All those evacuated following the incident in Belper are now able to return to their homes.
“We would like to thank everyone affected for their patience and for their assistance throughout today.
“Inquiries are continuing into the items found at the address, however, we are able to confirm that this is not being treated as a terrorist incident and there are no wider risks or concerns regarding the safety of the public.
“Further information will be released as and when available and appropriate.”
