**Bomb Disposal Team Called and Homes Evacuated in Margate Following Discovery of Suspicious Items**

*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 evacuations in Margate.

Police were called to an address on Rosedale Road at around 4 pm, leading to the closure of Rosedale Road, Glencoe Road, Wharfedale Road, and Malham Drive. Residents in these areas were evacuated as a precaution while the situation was assessed.

One resident, Amie Fox, 32, described the scene saying, “I saw blue flashing lights out of the window, and when my stepdaughter arrived, I obviously came down, and 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, and they can’t tell us at all. It really depends on what happens down there, I guess.”

Another resident, Liam John, 28, shared his experience: “It happened about 3:30 pm. I returned home from work, and there were police at my door saying 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.”

Cllr Jack Saunders (Lab), the 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 that their crews were called to assist Kent Police at the incident but were unable to provide further details.

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 4 pm to an address on 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. As well as in Rosedale Road, homes have been evacuated in Glencoe Road, Wharfedale Road, and Malham Drive. Thanet District Council is managing residents’ welfare, and Hartsdown Leisure Centre is being used to assist this process.”

Following the incident, a person was arrested in connection with the suspicious items and has been taken into custody.

Claire Parker, another resident who was forced to leave her home, described the scene: “There must be around a dozen emergency vehicles in the two roads. Police first arrived in Rosedale around 4 pm and then around 8 pm we were asked to evacuate.”

She added that residents do not know when they will be able to return to their homes but that officers have collected phone numbers and promised to contact them when it is safe to return.

Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, shared their experience:
“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 police here. They just wouldn’t let us in, wouldn’t let us collect any of our belongings, go in and get anything. 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 too. I’ll have to wait until my flat’s able to be entered, then I can go in and go to bed. I’ve got work tomorrow; I start in the early hours of the morning, and I’ve not 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 monitor the situation closely, prioritizing residents’ safety while investigations and specialist examinations are underway. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
https://www.kentonline.co.uk/thanet/news/bomb-disposal-team-called-and-homes-evacuated-after-suspici-330918/