Residents were evacuated from homes in four Margate streets this evening (October 8) after the discovery of “items that require specialist examination.”
A bomb disposal team from The Royal Logistic Corps, police and fire crews were on the scene in Rosedale Road.
The roads were cordoned off.
One property in the street was also cordoned off as crews dealt with a ‘suspicious package.’
One person has been arrested and is in custody.
A Kent Police spokesperson said: “Police have evacuated residents in four roads in Margate following a report of a property containing suspicious items.
“The precautionary measure was taken after Kent Police was called at around 4pm on Wednesday 8 October, to an address in Rosedale Road. Concerns were raised about items contained inside a flat.
“A cordon has been put in place and an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team from the Ministry of Defence is at the scene and inspecting the items. Kent Fire and Rescue Service crews are also in attendance.
“As well as in Rosedale Road, homes have been evacuated in Glencoe Road, Wharfedale Road and Malham Drive. Thanet District Council is managing residents’ welfare and Hartsdown Leisure Centre is being used to assist this process.
“A person has been arrested in connection with the incident and taken into custody.”
A statement from Dane Valley ward councillors says: “The police have been in contact with us this evening regarding their presence on Rosedale Road.
“They have identified some items that require specialist examination, and as a precaution, a small number of nearby homes have been temporarily evacuated. At this stage, there is no cause for concern, and the situation is being handled carefully and professionally.
“If anyone who has been asked to leave their home needs assistance or support, please don’t hesitate to call or message (Cllr Jack Packman) on 07361 808768.
“There are also teams on site and at the evacuation point working hard to ensure everyone affected is safe and well looked after. Thank you for your patience and understanding.”
A welfare point was set up by Thanet council at Hartsdown Leisure Centre for any evacuated residents who had nowhere to go. The council’s rest centre team helped about 25 people with food, drinks and other support.
Residents were able to return to their homes at just after midnight.
Has this photographer got a police tracker?
Seems to be everywhere to get a picture quickly!
Police trackers are illegal in the uk, Scott.
“No, it is illegal to use police scanners to listen to police or other emergency service communications in the UK because these transmissions are encrypted and not intended for general reception. While owning a radio scanner isn’t illegal, using it to listen to licensed private transmissions like police radio is an offense under the Wireless Telegraphy Act.”