200 homes evacuated in significant incident

Approximately 200 residents in Derby were forced to leave their homes after authorities declared a major incident, resulting in the arrest of two men on suspicion of explosives-related offenses. The evacuation was carried out on Thursday after Derbyshire Police executed a warrant based on intelligence concerning hazardous materials at a property on Vulcan Street.

Police advised that residents could not stay in their homes overnight but allowed brief access until 08:00 GMT on Friday to retrieve essential belongings.

Two men, aged in their 40s and 50s, were taken into custody on suspicion of explosives offenses. Authorities emphasized that the event is not being treated as a terrorism-related incident and stated there is "no broader risk to the community."

A controlled detonation was conducted around 16:00 GMT on Thursday. Derby City Council arranged temporary housing for affected residents for Thursday night and the following days. The evacuation zone included the entire Vulcan Street, Reeves Road, Shaftesbury Crescent, Harrington Street (from Holcombe Street to Vulcan Street), Baseball Drive (up to Columbo Street), and Cambridge Street in the area surrounding Reeves Road and Shaftesbury Crescent.

Derbyshire Police confirmed that residents were allowed temporary supervised access to their homes after British Army officers cleared the area for short visits, ensuring safety protocols were followed.

Superintendent Becky Webster expressed gratitude for residents' cooperation, noting the emergency services' support had been "excellent" under stressful circumstances. By 22:00 GMT on Thursday, the council closed the rest center at the Salvation Army, directing anyone needing assistance to the Pakistani Community Centre at 103 Harrington Street, where staff remained available to provide support.

A multi-agency meeting is scheduled for 08:00 GMT to discuss ongoing actions, after which further updates will be issued.

Authorities confirmed the two arrested men are Polish nationals, sharing this information to prevent misinformation and provide transparency in line with national guidance.

Author: Natalie Monroe