Explosive chemicals in St Leonards: update

Emergency operations are still ongoing in St Leonards, Sussex, after explosive chemicals were found in a property on the A259 Marina. However, local police said the threat to public safety has significantly reduced. The safety cordon around the property has been shortened, allowing many displaced residents to return home. The site has been declared safe from explosive risk by Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) on Saturday evening (March 22). Fire emergency services and police forces will remain in the area over the coming days to end safety assessments and investigate the circumstances of the incident. A 28-year-old man has been arrested and detained under the Mental Health Act. However, police detectives said there is no indication he intended to cause harm to himself or other people.
Hastings Borough Council will continue to support the remaining displaced residents until testing close to their homes ends. Chief Superintendent Adam Hays said the East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service will take over the chemical testing from the EOD, supported by specialists from Kent, Essex, Cambridgeshire, and Oxfordshire. Further updates on safety and security will be provided as soon as possible. Finally, Hays confirmed that the declaration of a major incident in the area has been rescinded.