UPDATED: People able to return to their homes after earlier evacuation

A number of houses were earlier evacuated in Belper after an incident in the town.

UPDATE 8.15pm

All residents whose properties were evacuated following the incident in Belper are now able to return to their homes.

We would like to thank everyone affected for their patience and for their assistance throughout today.

Enquiries are continuing into the items found at the address, however, we are able to confirm that this is not being treated as a terrorist incident and there are no wider risks or concerns regarding the safety of the public.

Further information will be released as and when available and appropriate.  

 

 

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Officers attended an address in Acorn Drive in Belper just after 6pm last night (3 Feb) after the force was called to reports of a concern for the safety of a man.

A search of the house was made and a number of suspicious items were found and a man has been arrested on suspicion of explosives offences.

Following advice from Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team a 100-metre cordon has been put in place which includes properties in Acorn Way, Acorn Drive, Swinney Lane and Swinney Bank.

As a result of the cordon Acorn Drive is closed at its junction with Mill Street and Swinney Lane is closed  between its junction with Mill Street and just after the junction with Swinney Bank.

A rest centre at the Strutt Centre in Derby Road will open for evacuated people to attend from 6.15pm.

At this time there is no indication as to how long the evacuation and road closures will be in place – and we will update our channels as soon as further information is available.