Huge Chemical Scare in St Leonards: EOD Team on High Alert
Specialist squads have made major headway removing dangerous chemicals from a St Leonards home along the A259, Sussex Police revealed. The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team safely cleared desensitised hazardous materials, performing a controlled burn near the sea wall early Saturday morning (22 March), easing fears for nearby residents.
500 More Chemical Canisters Discovered
The dramatic operation isn’t over. EOD specialists are still combing through the property to make sure no other explosives remain. In a surprising twist, around 500 extra canisters with unknown—but reportedly non-explosive—chemicals turned up on site. These are now in the hands of East Sussex Fire and Rescue and national chemical experts for testing.
Early assessments showed large amounts of potentially explosive substances, sparking detailed scientific analysis to identify the exact risks.
Man Held Under Mental Health Act
A 28-year-old man has been detained under the Mental Health Act in connection with the incident. Police stressed they do not believe he planned to harm himself or others.
“All partners are working hard to resolve the incident as swiftly as possible and allow residents to return to their homes as soon as it is safe. We appreciate everyone’s support and ongoing patience. We know this has been incredibly disruptive.” – Chief Inspector James Scott
When Will Residents Get Back Home?
The police have yet to announce when the safety cordon will be lifted or when locals can return. Updates are expected later this afternoon, including a decision on whether the local half marathon will go ahead.
Stay tuned for live updates.
