A major incident was declared in Derby on Thursday 4 December 2025 after police arrested two men on suspicion of explosives offences, leading to the evacuation of approximately 200 homes.
Warrant Leads to Arrests and Major Response
Derbyshire Police executed a warrant at an address on Vulcan Street in the city. During the operation, officers arrested a man in his 40s and another in his 50s on suspicion of explosives-related crimes.
The discovery prompted an immediate and large-scale response. Authorities have emphasised that the incident is not being treated as terrorism-related and stated there is no wider risk to the general community.
Extensive Evacuation and Cordon in Place
As a precaution, a significant evacuation zone was established. Police went door-to-door to ensure residents left their properties. Those affected have been advised to prepare to be away from their homes for up to 24 hours.
A substantial police cordon has sealed off several streets in their entirety. The evacuation area covers:
- Shaftsbury Crescent
- Vulcan Street
- Reeves Road
- Harrington Street (from Holcombe Street to Vulcan Street)
- Baseball Drive (to Colombo Street)
- Cambridge Street (at Reeves Road and Shaftsbury Crescent)
Army Bomb Disposal Deployed
The Army's Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team was called to the scene to assess and deal with the situation. Residents were warned they might hear a controlled explosion, or "bang," as part of the specialists' work.
For those already away from their homes within the cordon, Derbyshire Police have asked them to make contact via the force's Facebook Messenger service on their official website, or by calling 101.
A rest centre for displaced residents has been set up at The Salvation Army centre on Osmaston Road.
