Man arrested after explosives found in St Leonards home
- A major incident was declared following the discovery of explosive chemicals at a St Leonards home, resulting in the evacuation of residents.
- The bomb squad successfully conducted a controlled burn to ensure safety and further investigate the chemicals found.
- Authorities reassure the public that there is no indication of terror-related motives after the arrest of a 28-year-old man.
In East Sussex, a major incident unfolded on March 21, 2025, when authorities discovered explosive chemicals at a seafront property in St Leonards-on-Sea, near Hastings. The police detained a 28-year-old male under investigation for the production of illegal substances and the creation of an explosive substance meant for unlawful purposes. During the incident, Sussex police evacuated 73 residents from areas surrounding the 100-meter cordon established on the A259 Marina. The explosion threat prompted immediate safety measures as officers advised other occupants along West Hill Road to leave their homes as well. As the situation escalated, the bomb squad intervened, conducting a controlled burn of the explosives found. Alongside these explosives, around 500 additional canisters were located, which are not believed to be explosive but still require further testing by specialists to ensure safety. A spokesperson for Sussex Police stated that significant measures had been enacted for rendering the materials safe, indicating that progress was made shortly after the discovery. Thus, a sense of urgency surrounded the operation as local authorities strove to address the potential hazards. The arrested man has been detained under the Mental Health Act during ongoing investigations, suggesting concerns regarding his mental well-being at the time of the incident. Sussex police have clarified that, based on current evidence, there seems to be no intention from the suspect to cause harm to himself or anyone else. The situation raised alarm among the local community, particularly regarding whether a planned event, the Hastings Half Marathon, scheduled for the following day, would be impacted. An announcement concerning the status of the marathon was expected later that day, further contributing to the tense atmosphere in the region. In summary, significant work has been accomplished by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, who effectively removed and neutralized threatening materials at the site. Remaining searches are ongoing to find any hazardous materials still present. The police expressed gratitude for community support while stressing that they understand the disruption this incident caused for those affected and are committed to resolving the situation as swiftly and safely as possible.