Man arrested after explosive chemicals found

A man has been arrested after explosive chemicals which pose "a threat to life" were found at a property in an East Sussex town, police said.

Residents within a 100-metre cordon around the address on the A259 Marina in St Leonards were evacuated following the discovery of the chemicals on Thursday, prompting Sussex Police to declare a major incident.

A 28-year-old man arrested on suspicion of producing illegal substances and making an explosive substance for an unlawful purpose remains in custody.

Ch Insp James Scott said items in the property had been "made safe", but the cordon would remain in place overnight, leaving residents out of their homes for a second night.

The force said it did not believe the incident was terror-related.

The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team confirmed the chemicals were explosive and pose a threat to life, officers said.

The cordon is in place between Caves Road and Sussex Road, which also extends to some properties to the north in West Hill Road.

Police visited all the properties in the area and are "continuing to urge those who remain within the defined cordon to leave to ensure their own safety", the force said.

It said that about 45 homes had been evacuated, adding it did not know when residents would be able to return home.

Hastings Borough Council has set up a rest centre for displaced residents at the nearby Royal Victoria Hotel on St Leonards seafront.

The council added it was working to find accommodation for residents at the rest centre who had nowhere else to stay.

Helena Dollimore, Labour MP for Hastings and Rye, said she had been in contact with the home secretary, who had been briefed on the incident.

Mr Scott said the cordon was put in place for public safety.

He added: "Police were called to deal with another incident at the property, which is when the chemicals were discovered.

"It isn't a drugs lab. It is just a number of chemicals in a room which are very temperamental.

"We are working with other emergency services to bring this to a safe and prompt conclusion, but there are still meetings ongoing so there are no timescales."

He told BBC Radio Sussex that the cordon would be in place until at least the first part of Saturday morning.

Woo Seung Shin, owner of the Royal Victoria Hotel, said he was more than happy to help Hastings Borough Council set up his venue as a rest centre.

He said: "We are currently looking after 55 people who have been displaced.

"We are helping them to stay comfortable and providing them with whatever they need, including food and drinks."

A displaced resident added: "We got a knock on the door at 04:00 GMT and was told to evacuate.

"We left and came to the hotel but we haven't heard anything else."

Elizabeth was evacuated along with her daughter, Nokutenda.

She said: "I was at work when my daughter called and told me about the evacuation.

"I was so scared. I came home early but when I got back, I wasn't told much information other than there was explosives.

"It is scary - I need to go to work. My daughter couldn't go to school today as we have nothing with us.

"I'm scared but I'd like to thank the police for being quick and responsive."

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