Derby police evacuate around 200 homes as men arrested on suspicion of explosives offences

Around 200 homes have been evacuated in Derby after police arrested two men on suspicion of explosives offences.

Officers carried out a warrant in Vulcan Street and arrested two Polish nationals - one in his 40s and another in his 50s. They remain in custody.

The Army's explosive ordinance division have carried out a controlled explosion, but the incident is not being treated as a terrorism-related.

Residents won't be allowed to return home tonight but can get access briefly if it's urgent, for instance to collect medication.

"The work to ensure the safe return of those who have been displaced continues by colleagues from the Army but, unfortunately, that will have to be paused overnight and resumed in the morning," said Superintendent Becky Webster.

"The safety of everyone in the area is our number one priority and we are doing all we can to bring this incident to a conclusion as quickly, and safely, as possible."

The evacuation area covers:

Shaftsbury Crescent - in its entirety
Vulcan Street - in its entirety
Reeves Road - in its entirety
Shaftesbury Crescent - in its entirety
Harrington Street - from Holcombe Street to Vulcan Street
Baseball Drive - to Colombo Street
Cambridge Street - at Reeves Road and Shaftesbury Crescent

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Police earlier went to door to door to enforce the evacuation.

Anyone already away from their property is asked to contact Derbyshire Police via Facebook Messenger on the force's website, or by calling 101.

A rest centre has been set up at the Salvation Army centre on Osmaston Road and there's also an assembly point at the Pakistani Community Centre on Harrington Street.

Authorities will give an update after a meeting scheduled for 8am on Friday.

(c) Sky News 2025: Derby police evacuate around 200 homes as men arrested on suspicion of explosives o