Bomb squad carries out controlled burn of explosive chemicals found in St Leonards

A bomb squad has carried out a controlled burn of explosive chemicals discovered at a property in an East Sussex town as they continue to examine a further 500 canisters.

A major incident was declared on Friday while an operation continued to make the chemicals safe, with 73 people forced to move to a nearby hotel.

A 28-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of producing illegal substances and making an explosive substance for an unlawful purpose after police were called to the A259 Marina in St Leonards on Thursday.

More than 70 people who were evacuated have not yet been able to return to their seafront homes.

Sussex police said the man arrested had been detained under the Mental Health Act while inquiries continued.

The explosive ordnance disposal team confirmed the chemicals could pose a threat to life, officers said.

Sussex police issued an update on Saturday morning after speculation the incident was related to large-scale drug production. The force also confirmed the incident was “not believed to be terror-related”, and thanked those displaced and the public for their patience.

A Sussex police spokesperson said it was not yet known when people would be allowed to return to their homes or whether the Hastings half marathon would go ahead on Sunday as planned.

He added: “Significant progress has been made in making safe chemicals found in a house on the A259 in St Leonards on Thursday.

“The explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) team successfully removed the desensitised chemicals from the house and carried out a controlled burn in a skip near the sea wall on Saturday morning.

“Searches by EOD are continuing this morning for any other hazardous materials in the house, to ensure the house is clear of explosive material and the area is safe.

“Around 500 additional canisters have also been found containing unknown chemicals, although these are not considered to be explosive.

“They will be tested and assessed by East Sussex fire and rescue service and national specialists following the completion of the EOD’s search.

“EOD’s initial assessment found large quantities of one material that indicated explosive elements in it. Scientific experiments are now being undertaken to determine the exact nature of the chemical.”

Ch Insp James Scott said: “All partners are working hard to resolve the incident as swiftly as possible and allow residents to return to their homes as soon as it is safe.

“We appreciate everyone’s support and ongoing patience. We know this has been incredibly disruptive.

“Investigations are ongoing however, from evidence gathered so far, there is no indication that the 28-year-old man arrested intended to cause harm either to himself of anybody else.

“We cannot put an exact timeframe of when the cordon will be reduced and residents can return to their homes but we should know more late afternoon.

“We believe a decision on the half marathon will be made around this time. Further updates will be delivered as soon as they are available.”