Margate streets on lockdown as residents evacuated over ‘bombs inside home’

Four streets in a seaside town have been evacuated after a bomb disposal team was called to a home in the area and one man has been arrested in connection with the incident

Four streets in a coastal town were cleared out over fears of explosive devices discovered within a residential property. A bomb disposal squad was deployed to the scene in Margate, Kent, with one individual taken into custody.

On Wednesday evening (October 8), Kent Police evacuated locals from four streets following a call to a property on Rosedale Road at 4pm, where concerns were raised about suspicious items found inside a flat. A security perimeter was established, and an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team from the Ministry of Defence was summoned to examine the materials.

Properties on Glencoe Road, Wharfedale Road and Malham Drive were cleared alongside those on Rosedale Road, reports the Express.

Thanet District Council is “managing residents’ welfare” and Hartsdown Leisure Centre is “being used to assist this process”.

Kent Police confirmed that an individual has been detained and remains in custody.

The force stated: “A person has been arrested in connection with the incident and taken into custody.”

Thanet councillor Jack Packman has encouraged affected locals to seek assistance and emphasised that the situation is being handled “carefully and professionally”.

He said in a statement: “The police have been in contact with us this evening regarding their presence on Rosedale Road. They have identified some items that require specialist examination, and as a precaution, a small number of nearby homes have been temporarily evacuated.

“At this stage, there is no cause for concern, and the situation is being handled carefully and professionally. We will share further updates as soon as more information becomes available.

“If anyone who has been asked to leave their home needs assistance or support, please don’t hesitate to call or message me.”

Adding: “There are also teams on site and at the evacuation point working hard to ensure everyone affected is safe and well looked after. Thank you for your patience and understanding.”

Local bloke Liam John, 28, reportedly said: “It happened about 3.30pm. I returned home from work, and there were police at my door, and they said we had to evacuate because there were suspicious items in a property.

“I think everyone was just shocked that there were loads of police and a bomb squad. It looks like I’m going to be on the street tonight, so yeah, there’s not much I can do really.”