Two streets in Ramsgate have been cordoned off as a precaution after a number of suspicious materials were found.
Police were called at 3.26pm today (January 14) after the objects were found at a flat in Charlotte Court.
A resident from the property told The Isle of Thanet News the materials were found when workers arrived to clear a flat. The previous tenant is said to be a military re-enactment enthusiast.
Hotel accommodation has been arranged for residents from the flats. Ramsgate Leisure Centre has opened to help with shelter and hot drinks for those who are unable to get into their properties or businesses inside the exclusion zone.
Officers are at the scene and have evacuated Charlotte Court and closed Harbour Street and York Street.
A Ministry of Defence Explosive Ordnance Disposal team has been called out to assess the items.
Inspector James Ross said: “We have closed the two roads purely as a precaution and are asking people to avoid the area.”
Buses are being diverted. Passengers for Ramsgate harbour and town going in the Broadstairs direction can get the bus in Hereson Road, Grange Road and Boundary Road.
#THANET The loop service in both directions will not be serving the following roads in Ramsgate due to an incident, King street, Plains of Waterloo, Maderia Walk, the Harbour and Leopold Street, buses are diverting via Boundary Road, Grange Road.
— Stagecoach South East (@StagecoachSE) January 14, 2019
Pubs and restaurants have been closed. Residents in Queen Street are reporting that they have now been evacuated too.
#RamsgateLeasure kindly open the hall for the residents and serving hot drinks. @IsleThanetNews @Kent_Online @ThanetGazette @bbcsoutheast @BBCRADIOKENT pic.twitter.com/tJ70ZA7rPn
— Ramsgate tandoori (@DolonRaushan) January 14, 2019
Ramsgate Tandoori owner Raushan Ara described the incident as ‘scary’ adding: “We were told to close the restaurant and evacuate the area.”
The Charlotte Court resident added: “They have been extending the cordon, from 50 metres to 100 and then more.”