Major incident in Derby: 200 homes evacuated and two arrested for explosives-related crimes

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

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

Both remain in custody but the force said it was not being treated as a terrorist incident and there was “no further 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 overnight “and the next few days”.

A police spokesperson confirmed that the evacuations were a precautionary measure, but that residents in affected areas should be prepared to be away from their homes for 24 hours.

The areas “entirely” affected by the evacuation zone are Vulcan Street, Reeves Road and Shaftesbury Crescent.

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

Amy Anderson, of Shaftesbury Crescent, said she was contacted by a friend at around 2pm and told police were in the area.

The 34-year-old, who is six months pregnant, said: “It’s been very discouraging and a bit [of] the unknown.

“You don’t expect to have to pack your things in a moment.”

Esteban, 17, of Holcombe Street, said a police officer had told him to leave the area.

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

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

The two men arrested are Polish nationals, Derbyshire Police said.

A police spokesperson told the BBC it had released this information in line with national guidance on how forces are encouraged to reveal the ethnicity and nationality of suspects to combat misinformation.

Derby City Council confirmed it had set up a meeting point at the Pakistan Community Center on Harrington Street to support affected residents, with a respite center at The Salvation Army on Osmaston Road.

“A number of Derby City Council colleagues are on site to assist with translations and help reassure residents who have been evacuated. Accommodation has also been arranged for residents who need support overnight and in the coming days,” a council spokesperson added.

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

“We’re going to have a handful of volunteers here overnight.”