Rosedale Road closed off by police and bomb disposal team Photo Frank Leppard
Residents have been evacuated from homes in four Margate streets this evening (October 8) after the discovery of “items that require specialist examination.”
A bomb disposal team from The Royal Logistic Corps, police and fire crews are on the scene in Rosedale Road.
The roads are currently cordoned off.
Bomb team and police on site Photo Vikkie Lawson
One property in the street has also been cordoned off and it is understood crews are dealing with a ‘suspicious package.’
A Kent Police spokesperson said: “Police have evacuated residents in four roads in Margate following a report of a property containing suspicious items.
“The precautionary measure was taken after Kent Police was called at around 4pm on Wednesday 8 October, to an address in Rosedale Road. Concerns were raised about items contained inside a flat.
“A cordon has been put in place and an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team from the Ministry of Defence is at the scene and inspecting the items. Kent Fire and Rescue Service crews are also in attendance.
“As well as in Rosedale Road, homes have been evacuated in Glencoe Road, Wharfedale Road and Malham Drive. Thanet District Council is managing residents’ welfare and Hartsdown Leisure Centre is being used to assist this process.
“A person has been arrested in connection with the incident and taken into custody.”
A statement from Dane Valley ward councillors says: “The police have been in contact with us this evening regarding their presence on Rosedale Road.
“They have identified some items that require specialist examination, and as a precaution, a small number of nearby homes have been temporarily evacuated. At this stage, there is no cause for concern, and the situation is being handled carefully and professionally.
“If anyone who has been asked to leave their home needs assistance or support, please don’t hesitate to call or message (Cllr Jack Packman) on 07361 808768.
“There are also teams on site and at the evacuation point working hard to ensure everyone affected is safe and well looked after. Thank you for your patience and understanding.”
An evacuation point has been set up at Hartsdown Leisure Centre for any evacuated residents who have nowhere to go.
Police and the MoD have been contacted for further details
More to follow