Bomb squad deployed to Rushden as residents told to evacuate their homes | UK | News
Bomb disposal police were sent to a town in England following a report of a “potentially suspicious” substance. A residential area in Rushden was evacuated on Sunday evening and a 100-metre “precautionary” cordon was established by Northamptonshire Police.
A retreat center was set up at Hope Methodist Church in Rockingham Court for people living in the affected area, while specialist officers from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit assessed the item. It was stated that the forces were called to the scene shortly before 19:00 on March 14.
A statement from Northamptonshire Police yesterday said: “We are responding to an incident in Rushden this evening (March 14). Officers were called just before 7pm following reports of a potentially suspicious item being found in the Rockingham Court area.”
“Specialist officers from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit are at the scene and are currently working to assess the material and remove it safely if necessary.”
Police said people were evacuated as a “precautionary measure.” Police continued: “They (Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit) have deemed it necessary to put up a 100 meter precautionary cordon while this work is carried out and we hope that this will be removed as quickly as possible. Again, as a precautionary measure, residents in the immediate area are being evacuated.”
“We apologize for any inconvenience caused to people in the local area and hope this incident can be resolved safely as soon as possible. Updates will be provided as they become available.”
Police said in an update: “All properties within the 100 meter cordon were visited and safety advice provided. As a precautionary measure, a recreation center has been established for those evacuated at Hope Methodist Church at 29 High Street in Higham Ferrers, NN10 8DD.”
On the morning of March 15, the force said the object was “confirmed to be a firework” and residents were given the green light to return home. The statement said: “Following a thorough inspection by EOD experts, the item was confirmed to be a firework and thankfully not a valid device. The item was removed safely and there is no ongoing risk to the public. Residents are now returning home.”
“We recognize that incidents like this can cause concern and disruption. We want to thank local residents for their patience and cooperation while emergency services carry out their efforts. Our response reflects the seriousness we take to reports containing potentially suspicious items, and we hope it reassures our communities that public safety remains our highest priority.”
