Dozens of families were forced to leave their homes this afternoon after a “suspicious object” was found under a car in Borehamwood, prompting the deployment of a specialist British Army bomb squad.
Emergency services were called to Cowley Hill shortly after 12.30pm, where Hertfordshire Police quickly established a 100-metre cordon and evacuated around 50 households, including residents of nearby container homes.
The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team carried out controlled explosions on the device while police and fire crews secured the area. Roads around Cowley Hill and Crown Road were shut, causing significant disruption.
‘We had two minutes to get out’
Residents said they were given only moments to leave their homes. Some were still in pyjamas, while children and elderly people were left waiting in the street with little information.
Michelle Vince, former Hertsmere councillor, said:
“The explosive device incident at Cowley Hill continues. People who cannot return home have been directed to 96 Shenley Road for respite. Police confirmed the unidentified device was found under a car, and they are now searching under other vehicles.
The Army has already carried out three controlled explosions. I was able to provide drinks and blankets alongside our Mayor, Cllr Dan Ozarow. It was disappointing not to see anyone from Hertsmere present.”
Community response
An evacuation centre was set up in Borehamwood town centre by Hertsmere Borough Council, where local volunteers and the mayor of Elstree and Borehamwood, handed out food, blankets and baby milk.
Police statement
In a statement, Hertsmere Police confirmed:
“Police are currently in attendance at a scene on Cowley Hill, Borehamwood, following the discovery of a suspicious object. A 100-metre cordon has been put in place while the object is assessed by the EOD unit. A number of roads remain closed and residents have been evacuated as a precaution.”
Police have not confirmed whether the incident was linked to a specific address, though witnesses at the scene were told it may have been “connected” to one property.
Investigations remain ongoing, and residents are expected to return home once safety checks are complete.
