**Bomb Disposal Team Called After Suspicious Items Found in Margate Flat; Multiple Homes Evacuated**
Additional reporting by Louis Walker
A person has been arrested after suspicious items were discovered in a flat, prompting the deployment of a bomb disposal team and the evacuation of several homes in Margate.
Police were called to Rosedale Road at around 4pm, leading to the closure of Rosedale Road, Glencoe Road, Wharfedale Road, and Malham Drive. A cordon was established as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team from the Ministry of Defence arrived on the scene to inspect the items. Kent Fire and Rescue Service crews also assisted police during the incident.
**Residents React to Evacuation**
Amie Fox, 32, a local resident, described the situation:
“I saw blue flashing lights out of the window, and when my stepdaughter arrived, I obviously came down. There were police everywhere telling everyone to evacuate their homes — it was just all a bit crazy. The police are doing their job to keep people safe, so we’re not too worried. We asked when we could be allowed back in, but they can’t tell us at all. It really depends on what happens down there, I guess.”
Liam John, 28, who returned home from work at around 3.30pm, added:
“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.”
**Official Statements and Support for Evacuated Residents**
Cllr Jack Saunders (Labour), representative for Dane Valley ward, posted on social media:
“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. 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.”
Kent Fire and Rescue Service confirmed crews were called to assist Kent Police during the incident but were unable to provide further information.
A police spokesperson said:
“Police have evacuated residents in four roads in Margate following a report of a property containing suspicious items. The precautionary measure was taken after Kent Police was called at around 4pm to an address in Rosedale Road. Concerns were raised about items contained inside a flat. A cordon has been put in place, and an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team from the Ministry of Defence is at the scene inspecting the items. Kent Fire and Rescue Service crews are also in attendance.”
Thanet District Council is managing residents’ welfare, with Hartsdown Leisure Centre being used to assist evacuees.
**Arrest Made**
A person has been arrested in connection with the incident and taken into custody.
**More Residents Share Their Experiences**
Claire Parker, who had to leave her home, said:
“There must be around a dozen emergency vehicles in the two roads. Police first arrived in Rosedale around 4pm and then around 8pm we were asked to evacuate. We don’t know when we will be able to go home, but officers have taken phone numbers for those who have had to leave and said they will be contacted when it is safe to return.”
Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, shared:
“Well, I got a phone call from the police just telling us that we couldn’t enter the block, and if we were in the property, we needed to leave. We left; they refused to give us any details, only that there’s a suspicious device and that there’s the police here. They just wouldn’t let us in or let us collect any of our belongings. No one was allowed near the place, and then they’ve just expanded it further and further. It’s 100 metres here, but then they’ve also shut off Glencoe, because I went round to my mate’s house on Glencoe, and she’s been evacuated. I’ll have to wait until my flat can be entered before I can go in and go to bed. I’ve got work tomorrow; I start at the early hours of the morning, and I haven’t even slept yet. I’d usually be in bed if I had work at this time of night, but instead, I’m here.”
Authorities continue to manage the situation, with safety as the priority for all residents affected by the evacuation. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
https://www.kentonline.co.uk/thanet/news/bomb-disposal-team-called-and-homes-evacuated-after-suspici-330918/
