Houses evacuated and roads closed after man arrested for explosives offences in Derbyshire

Houses have been evacuated and nearby roads closed after a man was arrested on suspicion of explosives offences at a property in Belper, Derbyshire, police said.

Officers attended an address in Acorn Drive in Belper just after 6pm on Friday after officers were called to reports of a concern for the safety of a man.

A search of the house was made and a number of suspicious items were found, Derbyshire Police said.

A 100-metre cordon was imposed following advice from explosive disposal experts, the force added, saying it could provide “no indication” as to how long the evacuation and road closures will be in place.

But an update released around 8.15pm on Saturday night confirmed people could return to their homes.

It has now been confirmed the incident is not terror related.

The spokesperson added: “Enquiries are continuing into the items found at the address, however, we are able to confirm that this is not being treated as a terrorist incident and there are no wider risks or concerns regarding the safety of the public.”

The cordon affected houses in Acorn Drive, as well as Acorn Way, Swinney Lane and Swinney bank.

“As a result of the cordon, Acorn Drive is closed at its junction with Mill Street and Swinney Lane is closed between it s junction with Mill Street, and just after the junction with Swinney Bank,” the spokesperson added.

‘The people who live near know who it is’

An eyewitness, speaking to reporters at the Thorn Tree Inn pub, which is on the edge of the police cordon, said at least three evacuated residents had taken shelter there.

“From what I can gather, police have been knocking on the houses, advising people to leave,” she said.

“They’ve not forced them but advised them to go out.

“They’ve told them they’ll ring when it’s safe to return and they’re opening up the Strutt Community Centre for people who live in the area to go to tonight.”

She said the evacuees “seem ok”, adding: “They’re probably surprised and concerned that you don’t know who is living near you.

“The people who live near know who it is.”

The Strutt Centre in Derby Road was assigned to serve as a rest centre for evacuated residents.

A centre spokesperson said: “The county council with all their emergency planning team and all their volunteers are here, and it’s a warm space where they can have drinks and things like that and just see what happens bit-by-bit.”