Man remains in custody after chemical alert in Suffolk
Police investigating the discovery of chemicals in a property this afternoon (Sunday 28 July) have reduced the initial cordon put in place. Officers had reason to conduct a pre-planned arrest at a property on Normanhurst Close in the town just before 1pm today. On arrival at the premises police conducted a search of the property and recovered a quantity of unidentified chemicals and two military grenades inside the premises. Consequently, an evacuation of at least 60 properties, with a 100 metre cordon imposed, took place to ensure the public’s safety, pending an examination of the items by Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal officers and assisted at the scene by Suffolk Fire and Rescue teams. Following initial enquiries, the outer cordon has now been lifted with the vast majority of local residents now able to return to their properties. A cordon remains on the property where the items were discovered, as well as three other neighbouring properties. The Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service and Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal officers have left the scene A male in his 50s has been arrested at the scene on suspicion of possession of a firearm and remains in police custody at this time. Steps were taken in the interests of public safety to establish the cordon and officers thank local residents for their patience and understanding during the course of the afternoon and evening. Police enquiries into this matter continue. Previously police revealed Police have conducted an evacuation of some properties in part of Lowestoft following the discovery of chemicals in a property this afternoon (28 July). Officers had reason to conduct a pre-planned warrant on a property on Normanhurst Close in the town just before 1pm today. On arrival at the premises police conducted a search of the property and recovered a quantity of unidentified chemicals and two military grenades inside the premises. Consequently, an evacuation of at least 60 properties, with a 100 metre cordon imposed, has taken place to ensure the public’s s safety, pending an examination of the items by Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal officers. They are being assisted at the scene by Suffolk Fire and Rescue teams. Normanhurst Close currently remains closed to motorists and pedestrians. A male in his 50s has been arrested at the scene on suspicion of possession of a firearm. Officers thank local residents for their patience and understanding while enquiries are conducted into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
