Eastbourne Chemical Scare: Over 150 Homes Evacuated After Suspicious Bottle Found
More than 150 homes were evacuated in Eastbourne after a suspicious bottle containing an unidentified liquid was found in a residential property. The incident prompted the deployment of an army bomb squad to the scene.
Evacuation Ordered Following Suspicious Discovery
Sussex Police confirmed a planned evacuation kicked off this Tuesday morning after officers were called to an address on Hyde Road at 5:27pm on Monday. Concerns over the unidentified substance led to the involvement of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team as a safety precaution.
The suspicious item is currently being examined, with Hyde Road and surrounding streets closed off while investigations continue.
Six Roads Affected as Residents Urged to Leave
Authorities have asked residents across six roads to evacuate, impacting over 160 properties. The streets include:
- Hyde Road
- Camden Road
- Calverley Road
- West Terrace
- Bath Road
- Grove Road
Residents were instructed to vacate their homes by 9am to allow emergency services to complete a thorough and safe operation during daylight hours.
Police Reassure: No Immediate Danger, Community Support Appreciated
Detective Superintendent Jon Robeson said: “Our priority is to keep people safe. We are satisfied there is no immediate risk and the evacuation can be safely carried out during daylight to minimise disruption.”
“We appreciate the support of residents and the wider community affected by these necessary precautionary steps. We will allow residents to return as soon as it is safe.”
Uniformed officers and local agencies remain on-site to assist and reassure residents throughout the evacuation.
Ongoing Investigation and Road Closures
The cordon on Hyde Road remains in place, with access to nearby streets restricted. Bomb disposal and forensic experts continue to examine the contents of the bottle.
Authorities stressed that public safety is their top priority and thanked residents for their patience and cooperation during the ongoing investigation.
Resident Advice
- Stay clear of the affected area until further notice
- Follow all police instructions and updates from Sussex Police
- Check on neighbours who might need help evacuating
For the latest updates, visit the Sussex Police website or follow @sussex_police on X.
