04 December 2025 , 19:23
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Two Polish men have been arrested on suspicion of possessing explosive materials, prompting the evacuation of 200 homes in Derby.
The Army has been called in to help set up an evacuation zone across seven streets as families hurry to collect pets and medicine, waiting in the cold rain in Derby.
A controlled explosion took place at around 4pm on Vulcan Street.
In an update, a Derbyshire Police spokesperson said: ‘Residents in the area may have heard a bang in the past hour – this was a controlled explosion and there is no cause for concern.
‘The two men arrested earlier, both Polish nationals, remain in custody.’
The order was made after officers executed a warrant acting on intelligence about ‘potentially explosive materials’ at a home.
Two men, one in his 40s and the other in his 50s, remain in custody.
Police say the incident is not currently being treated as terrorism and there is no wider risk to the community.
Esteban Duda, 17, who lives on Holcombe Street, said he was told to leave the area by a police officer.
‘It was not a very pleasant feeling because I just woke up,’ he told the BBC.
‘I was very shocked, I didn’t know what to do. I literally jumped out of my bed, put my clothes on, and then I was just letting everyone know [they had to leave].’
The force says the ‘evacuations are a precaution to ensure the safety of those’ in the area. 
A spokesperson said: ‘Anyone who lives within the affected area is asked to prepare to be out of their homes for 24 hours and make preparations if they need medicines or require pets.’
The initial rest centre for those affected will be located at the Salvation Army on Omaston Road.
World Affairs Correspondent