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

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of explosives offenses after 200 houses were evacuated and a major incident was declared at a property in Derby following a police warrant.

The men, one in his 40s and the other in his 50s, were arrested on Thursday after Derbyshire Police received intelligence about materials at a house in Vulcan Street.

Both remained in custody but police said the incident was not being treated as a terrorist incident and there was no “wider risk to the community”.

A controlled explosion was carried out at around 16:00 GMT and Derby City Council confirmed that accommodation had been arranged for affected residents for the night “and for the coming days”.

A police spokesman confirmed the evacuations were a precaution but said residents in affected areas should be prepared to leave their homes for 24 hours.

Areas “fully” affected by the evacuation zone are Vulcan Street, Reeves Road and Shaftesbury Crescent.

Harrington Street from Holcombe Street to Vulcan Street; Baseball Drive up to Columbo Street and Cambridge Street at Reeves Road and Shaftesbury Crescent are also within the exclusion zone.

Amy Anderson, of Shaftesbury Crescent, said a friend contacted her at around 2pm to say police were in the area.

The 34-year-old, who is six months pregnant, said: “It was very scary and a bit [of] unknown.

“You don’t expect to have to pack your things all at once.”

Esteban, 17, of Holcombe Street, said he was told by a police officer to leave the area.

“It wasn’t a very pleasant feeling because I had just woken up,” he added.

“I was so shocked, I didn’t know what to do. I literally jumped out of my bed, put on my clothes and told everyone. [they had to leave]”

Derbyshire Police said the two men arrested were Polish nationals.

A police spokesman told the BBC it had released this information in line with national guidance for law enforcement. Encouraging disclosure of suspects’ ethnicity and nationality To combat misinformation.

Derby City Council confirmed it had set up a gathering point at the Pakistan Community Center on Harrington Street and a recreation center at the Salvation Army on Osmaston Road to support affected residents.

A council spokesman said: “A number of Derby City Council staff are on site to support with translation and help secure evacuated residents. Accommodation has also been arranged for residents requiring any support throughout the night and over the coming days.” he added.

Gary Robb, of the Salvation Army, said: “We don’t know if it will be a few hours or longer.

“We will have a handful of volunteers here throughout the night.”