Houses evacuated after man arrested on suspicion of explosives offences in Derbyshire

An alleged bombmaker was arrested in a Derbyshire market town on suspicion of explosive offences with multiple homes evacuated and nearby streets closed down.

Officers had attended an address in Acorn Drive in Belper at around 6pm on Friday. A man was then arrested after a search of the house uncovered a number of suspicious items, Derbyshire Constabulary said.

Following advice from bomb disposal experts, a 100-metre cordon has now been put in place, requiring some properties in Acorn Drive and three other streets to be evacuated.

There is no indication as to how long the evacuation and road closures will be in place, police added.

Officers said the Strutt Centre in Derby Road will act as a rest centre for evacuated people.

A spokesperson said: “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.

“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.”