Derbyshire Police have declared a major incident in Derby after evacuating around 200 homes and arresting two men on suspicion of explosives offences. The Army's Explosive Ordnance Division is conducting a controlled explosion as part of the ongoing operation in the Pear Tree neighborhood.
Two men, one in his 40s and one in his 50s, remain in police custody following their arrest at an address on Vulcan Street. Police executed a warrant based on intelligence about materials at the property.
The evacuation affects several streets entirely, including Shaftsbury Crescent, Vulcan Street, and Reeves Road. Residents have been told to prepare to be away from their homes for 24 hours and make arrangements for medicines and pets.
Police reassure community
Derbyshire Police stressed the incident poses no wider threat. «This is not being investigated as a terrorism incident, there is no wider risk to the community, and the evacuations are a precaution to ensure the safety of those in the area,» police said in a statement.
Police warned residents to expect a loud noise from the controlled explosion. «Residents in the area of Vulcan Street may hear a bang shortly – this is controlled and is part of the work being carried out by the Army's Explosive Ordnance Division who are supporting this incident,» the force said at 3:20 pm.
Residents describe shock
Esteban Duda, a resident on Holcombe Street, described the moment police evacuated him. «I was in my bed, I just got a banging on my door with them saying there's a bomb, there's a bomb, evacuate, so I got my clothes on straight away and got out of the house. I was shocked and surprised,» he said.
The scene has drawn a heavy police presence, with dozens of vehicles and officers deployed to the normally quiet neighborhood.
Derby City Council is running an initial rest centre for evacuated residents at the Salvation Army on Osmaston Road. The force is working closely with Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service and East Midlands Ambulance Service.
Residents who left before police contacted them or are currently away from home should contact Derbyshire Constabulary via Facebook messenger or the 101 non-emergency number.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
