Derby Major Incident: 200 Homes Evacuated After Explosives Arrests

Introduction: Emergency Response in Derby

A major incident has been declared in Derby and 200 homes have been evacuated after two men were arrested on explosives offences. The swift action by authorities highlights the importance of public safety when dealing with potential explosive materials. Officers declared a major incident at around 2:30pm on Thursday afternoon.

Details of the Incident

Derbyshire Police said the evacuation zone was put in place after intelligence gathered about materials at the address on Vulcan Street. Police also said they arrested two men, one in his 40s and another in his 50s on suspicion of explosive offences. The two men arrested earlier, both Polish nationals, remain in custody.

At around 3:30pm, Derbyshire Police said they then carried out a controlled explosion and that there is no cause for concern for residents. This was carried out by the Army’s Explosive Ordnance Division who are supporting this incident.

Community Impact and Response

The people living in these areas have been asked to prepare to be out their homes for 24 hours. Hundreds of people living on Shaftsbury Crescent, Vulcan Street, Reeves Road, Shaftesbury Crescent – Harrington Street – from Holcombe Street to Vulcan Street, Baseball Drive – to Colombo Street and Cambridge Street – at Reeves Road and Shaftesbury Crescent were asked to evacuate shortly after.

The initial rest centre for those affected will be located at the Salvation Army, 38 Osmaston Road, Derby, DE1 2HU, and is being run by Derby City Council. A multi-agency meeting between partner agencies, including Derbyshire Constabulary, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service, East Midland’s Ambulance Service, and Derby City Council, has taken place and emergency services remain at the scene as the response to the incident continues.

Conclusion: No Terrorism Link and Public Safety Assured

Derbyshire Police said it was not being investigated as a terrorism incident and the evacuation of homes has been carried out as a precaution. The incident demonstrates the coordinated response of emergency services in Derby to ensure community safety. While residents face temporary displacement, authorities continue to work diligently to resolve the situation and allow people to return home safely. This event underscores the critical importance of intelligence-led policing and the swift implementation of precautionary measures to protect the public from potential threats.