Man arrested after ‘life-threatening’ explosive chemicals found in St Leonards

A man has been arrested after “life-threatening” explosive chemicals were discovered inside a property along a seafront in Sussex, police say.

Officers attended the property on the A259 Marina in St Leonards on Sea on Thursday and confirmed they found chemicals that are “explosive” and “pose a threat to life”.

A major incident has been declared but it is not being treated as terror-related, Sussex Police said.

People living inside a 100m cordon from Caves Road, Sussex Road, and West Hill Road were urged to evacuate their homes, with 42 properties affected and roads closed.

A “rest centre” for those “displaced residents” has been set up at the Royal Victoria Hotel, which is near the cordon, police said.

A force spokesperson added: “A 28-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of producing illegal substances and making an explosive substance for an unlawful purpose. He remains in custody at this time.”

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Superintendent Michelle Palmer-Harris said: “This is a complex but isolated incident, being supported by multiple agencies, resulting in the necessary evacuation of properties immediately surrounding the address for safety reasons. I would like to thank those residents affected and the wider community in St Leonards for their patience and support.

“The declaration of a major incident allows emergency services and other partner agencies to work together effectively to keep the public safe.”

Labour MP for Hastings and Rye Helena Dollimore described it as a “troubling incident for the community”.

“The best thing we can do is to stay away from the area and I would encourage others to do that,” she said.