A259 Reopens After Chemical Chaos in St Leonards
The A259 in St Leonards is back open to traffic and pedestrians after a major chemical scare forced evacuations earlier this week. Residents displaced by the incident have now been given the green light to return home, officials confirmed.
Police Find Over 500 Chemical Canisters
On Thursday (March 20), police slammed a huge cordon around a property on the A259 Marina after discovering more than 500 chemical canisters inside. The haul sparked immediate safety fears and forced neighbours to evacuate as a precaution.
Specialist teams raced to the scene to neutralise and safely dispose of most of the hazardous materials. This included 30 extra vessels with unidentified substances, tested and made safe on March 23.
Area Secured but Caution Remains
The remaining chemicals have now been neutralised but are still guarded by police overnight. A hazardous materials specialist team is due to remove them tomorrow.
Though the A259 is open again, temporary traffic lights remain in place, with drivers warned to brace for congestion.
Residents Return, Police Keep Watch
The final nine evacuees have been allowed home. Emergency services will start scaling back tonight, but police will maintain a visible presence as the investigation continues.
A 28-year-old man arrested at the scene is now detained under the Mental Health Act.
Detective Superintendent Steve May said: “This has been a challenging few days for all involved, especially the evacuated residents. I want to thank the public for their patience and support. We are working hard with partners to safely resolve this and return things to normal. The end is now in sight.”
On rumours circulating about motives, he added: “There’s nothing to suggest any sinister intent by the detainee, nor any ongoing threat to the public. No evidence points to terror links, extremist ideology, or large-scale drug production.”
A live police investigation continues. Authorities promise more updates as new details come to light.
