Key Takeaways:
- Residents in the Vulcan Street area of Derby were evacuated from 200 properties due to a major incident involving suspected explosives
- Two men, both Polish nationals, were arrested on suspicion of explosives offences and remain in custody
- The incident is not being treated as a terrorism incident and there is no wider risk to the community
- Residents were allowed to return to their homes on Friday evening after a cordon was lifted
- The community came together to provide support and accommodation to those affected by the evacuation
Introduction to the Incident
The city of Derby was thrown into chaos on Thursday when a major incident was declared in the Vulcan Street area, resulting in the evacuation of 200 properties. The incident began when police carried out a warrant at a house in Vulcan Street, following intelligence about materials found at the property. Two men, one in his 40s and another in his 50s, were arrested on suspicion of explosives offences and remain in custody. The men, who are Polish nationals, are still being held by police as the investigation continues.
Evacuation and Response
The evacuation of the area was carried out as a precautionary measure, with residents being told to leave their homes immediately. The affected area included the entirety of Vulcan Street, as well as parts of Reeves Road, Shaftesbury Crescent, Harrington Street, Baseball Drive, and Cambridge Street. Residents were forced to find alternative accommodation, with some being put up in hotels and others staying with friends and family. The community came together to provide support, with the Pakistan Community Centre and the Singh Sabha Gurdwara offering food, refreshments, and emotional support to those affected.
Community Support
The community in the Normanton area of Derby has been praised for its response to the incident, with many residents coming together to offer support and accommodation to those affected. Amjad Ashraf, who runs the Pakistan Community Centre, said that about 50 families had come to the centre on Thursday afternoon, and that many had found alternative accommodation for the night. The centre, along with the Singh Sabha Gurdwara, provided food, refreshments, and emotional support to those in need. The community’s response has been described as a testament to the strength of community spirit in the area.
Personal Stories
For residents like John Morley, 86, the evacuation was a shocking and unexpected experience. Mr. Morley, who lives in the evacuation zone, was forced to leave his home at short notice and stay overnight with his daughter in Allestree. He described the experience as "an experience" and said that he was eager to get back into his home. Another resident, Amy Anderson, who is six months pregnant, spent the night at her mum’s house with her son. She described feeling "in limbo" and was unsure when she would be able to return to her home.
Investigation and Update
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with police continuing to search properties in the Vulcan Street area. The force has confirmed that a controlled explosion was carried out at about 16:00 on Thursday, and that accommodation had been arranged for affected residents. On Friday evening, police announced that the cordon had been lifted and residents were allowed to return to their homes. The Pakistan Community Centre remains open as a contact point for anyone in the area, and the Singh Sabha Gurdwara will be available as a new contact point for residents from Saturday.
Conclusion
The incident in Derby has been a challenging and unsettling experience for the local community, but the response from residents and community groups has been remarkable. The community’s ability to come together and provide support to those in need is a testament to the strength of community spirit in the area. As the investigation continues, residents are being allowed to return to their homes, and the city is beginning to return to normal. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of community and the need for people to come together in times of need.
