Man arrested after police discover explosive chemicals – St Leonards

A man has been arrested after “life-threatening” explosive chemicals were discovered inside a property along a seafront in Sussex, police say.

Officers attended the property on the A259 Marina in St Leonards On Sea on Thursday and confirmed they found chemicals that are “explosive” and “pose a threat to life”.

People living inside a 100m cordon from Caves Road, Sussex Road, and West Hill Road are being urged to evacuate their homes. Roads are closed and around 30 properties are believed to have been impacted.

A “rest centre” for those “displaced residents” has been set up at the Royal Victoria Hotel, which is near the cordon, police said.

A force spokesperson added: “A 28-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of producing illegal substances and making an explosive substance for an unlawful purpose. He remains in custody at this time.”

Emergency services have declared a major incident

Superintendent Michelle Palmer-Harris said: “This is a complex but isolated incident, being supported by multiple agencies, resulting in the necessary evacuation of properties immediately surrounding the address for safety reasons. I would like to thank those residents affected and the wider community in St Leonards for their patience and support.

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

Labour MP for Hastings and Rye Helena Dollimore described it as a “troubling incident for the community”.

“The best thing we can do is to stay away from the area and I would encourage others to do that,” she said.