Additional reporting by Louis Walker
A person has been arrested as a bomb disposal team was called and homes were evacuated after “suspicious items” were found in a flat.
Rosedale Road, Glencoe Road, Wharfedale Road and Malham Drive in Margate have been closed off after police were called at around 4pm.
Four streets have been evacuated after suspicious items were found in a flat
One resident Amie Fox, 32, said: “I saw blue flashing lights out of the window, and when my stepdaughter arrived, I obviously came down, and there were police everywhere telling everyone to evacuate their homes – it was just all a bit crazy.
“The police are doing their job to keep people safe, so we’re not too worried.
“We asked when we could be allowed back in, and they can’t tell us at all. It really depends on what happens down there, I guess.”
Police were called at around 4pm
Liam John, 28, added: “It happened about 3.30pm. I returned home from work, and there were police at my door, and they said we had to evacuate because there were suspicious items in a property.
“I think everyone was just shocked that there were loads of police and a bomb squad.
“It looks like I’m going to be on the street tonight, so yeah, there’s not much I can do really.”
The bomb disposal squad at the scene. Picture: Vikki Lawson
Cllr Jack Saunders (Lab), the representative for Dane Valley ward, stated on social media: “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.
The fire service is also on the scene
“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.”
Kent Fire and Rescue Service said crews were called to assist Kent Police at an “incident” and were unable to provide further information.
Police have told residents they will contact them when it is safe to return
A 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, 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.
Claire Parker, who has had to leave her home, said: “There must be around a dozen emergency vehicles in the two roads. Police were first arrived in Rosedale around 4pm and then around 8pm we were asked to evacuate.”
She said they don’t know when they will be able to go home but officers have taken phone numbers for those who have had to leave and said they will be contacted when it is safe to return.
Four streets have been sealed off
Another resident, who did not want to be named, said: “Well, I got a phone call from the police, just telling us that we couldn’t enter the block, and if we were in the property, we needed to leave
“We left, they refused to give us any details, only that there’s a suspicious device and that there’s the police here
“They just wouldn’t let us in, wouldn’t let us collect any of our belongings, go in and get anything.
People don’t know when they can go home
“No one was allowed to go near the place, and then they’ve just expanded it further and further.
“It’s 100 metres here, but then they’ve also shut off Glencoe, because I went round to my mate’s house on Glencoe, and she’s been evacuated.
“I’ll have to wait until my flat’s able to be entered, and then I can go in and go to bed.
“I’ve got work tomorrow, I start at early hours of the morning, and I’ve not even slept yet, I’d usually be in bed if I had work at this time of night, but instead I’m here.”
A mum-of-three added: “We had the police at the door around 8pm and all they said is we had to evacuate the house and that the whole street had to be evacuated. When we asked why they said they weren’t allowed to tell us why just to grab coats and shoes and leave.
“Myself my partner and our three kids came to our in laws and are now booking in a travelogue for the night.”