Man arrested after explosive substance found

A man has been arrested after an explosive substance which poses "a threat to life" was found in a property in a Sussex seaside town, police said.

Residents within a 100-metre cordon around the address on the A259 Marina in St Leonards were evacuated following the discovery of the chemicals on Thursday, prompting Sussex Police to declare a major incident.

A 28-year-old man has been held on suspicion of producing illegal substances and making an explosive substance for an unlawful purpose and he remains in police custody.

Police do not currently believe the incident to be a terror-related.

The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team confirmed the chemicals were explosive and pose a threat to life, officers said.

The cordon is in place between Caves Road and Sussex Road, which also extends to some properties to the north in West Hill Road.

Police visited all the properties in the area and are "continuing to urge those who remain within the defined cordon to leave to ensure their own safety".

Hastings Borough Council has set up a rest centre for displaced residents at the Royal Victoria Hotel.

Helena Dollimore, Labour MP for Hastings and Rye, says she had been in contact with the Home Secretary, who had been briefed on the incident.

The MP also said about 30 properties have been evacuated, but the number of people affected is yet to be confirmed.

Sussex Police Ch Insp James Scott said the cordon was put in place "for public safety" and that all affected residents had left their properties.

He added: "Police were called to deal with another incident at the property which is when the chemicals were discovered.

"It isn't a drugs' lab. It is just a number of chemicals in a room which are very temperamental."

"We are working with other emergency services to bring this to a safe and prompt conclusion but there are still meetings ongoing so there are no timescales."

The road is likely to be closed for most of the day on Friday.

Woo Seung Shin, owner of the Royal Victoria hotel, said he was "delighted" to help Hastings Borough Council set up his venue as a rest centre.

He told BBC Radio Sussex: "We are currently looking after 55 people who have been displaced.

"We are helping them to stay comfortable and providing them with whatever they need, including food and drinks."

A displaced resident added: "We got a knock on the door at 04:00GMT and was told to evacuate.

"We left and came to the hotel but we haven't heard anything else."

Elizabeth was evacuated along with her daughter, Nokutenda.

She told BBC Radio Sussex: "I was at work when my daughter called and told me about the evacuation.

"I was so scared. I came home early but when I got back, I wasn't told much information other than there was explosives.

"It is scary - I need to go to work. My daughter couldn't go to school today as we have nothing with us.

"I'm scared but I'd like to thank the police for being quick and responsive."