Major incident declared as explosive chemicals found inside Sussex property.

More than 40 homes have been evacuated after police declared a major incident following the discovery of “explosive” chemicals on a property in East Sussex.

On Thursday, Sussex Police were called to an address on the A259 Marina in St Leonards, where they discovered chemicals that “pose a threat to life”.

A 28-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of producing illegal substances and preparing an explosive substance for an unlawful purpose.

According to a Sussex Police spokesperson, the incident is not being investigated as terrorism.

The force stated: “The emergency response to a report of suspected chemicals discovered at a St Leonards address has now been declared a major incident.”

“The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team has confirmed that chemicals discovered inside a property on the A259 Marina on Thursday (March 20) are explosive and pose a risk to life.”

“However, at this time, it is not thought to be a terrorist-related incident.

Items recovered by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team have now been safely stored on the property.

Searches in the property are continuing tonight and tomorrow, and police say the cordon and road closures will remain in effect.

“There is a 100-metre cordon in place between Caves Road and Sussex Road, which also includes some properties on West Hill Road to the north.

“Officers have visited all properties in this area and spoken with residents, and we continue to encourage those who remain within the defined cordon to leave for their own safety.

“Well-established plans are in place, with partners collaborating as part of the Sussex Resilience Forum to help organisations prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies.

“Hastings Borough Council has established a rest centre for displaced residents at the Royal Victoria Hotel, east of the cordon.

“The A259 Marina in St Leonards is closed from the junction of Caves Road and Sussex Road. 

“A 28-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of manufacturing illegal substances and creating an explosive substance for an illegal purpose. “He is still in custody at this time.”

The force spokesman added that speculation that the chemicals were used in large-scale drug production is incorrect.

Superintendent Michelle Palmer-Harris stated, “This is a complex but isolated incident, supported by multiple agencies, that necessitated the evacuation of properties immediately surrounding the address for safety reasons.”

“I’d like to thank the affected residents and the St Leonards community for their patience and support.

“The declaration of a major incident enables emergency services and other partner agencies to collaborate effectively to keep the public safe.”

Chief Inspector James Scott stated, “Our priority is to keep people safe. We appreciate the support of the residents and wider community who have been impacted by the necessary actions we have had to implement.

“I would like to thank them for their patience and understanding while we bring this incident to a safe conclusion while minimising further disruption.”

Police say residents will be notified as soon as possible.

Helena Dollimore, Labour MP for Hastings and Rye, stated, “This is a deeply troubling incident for our community.”

“I’d like to thank all of the emergency services for working through the night and continuing to do so as they investigate and take action to keep our community safe.

“I would advise people to stay away from the affected area so that the police can perform their duties as safely and efficiently as possible.

“I have communicated with the Home Secretary, and I will continue to monitor the situation. The police will keep us all informed of any further developments.

A Hastings Borough Council spokeswoman stated, “There are currently 42 households that have been evacuated and are staying at the Royal Victoria Hotel.” Some of these households include children and dogs.

“Residents are being advised that the evacuation is likely to continue for the remainder of the day, and that a rest centre is available for any assistance they may require. The police will provide further updates via their channels.”

Police say residents will be notified as soon as possible.

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