A controlled explosion has been conducted by the Army in a residential area of Derby, following the evacuation of approximately 200 homes in a major incident.
Streets Sealed Off After Arrests
Derbyshire Constabulary declared a major incident and cordoned off seven streets in the city. The operation began after police executed a warrant at an address on Vulcan Street on Wednesday, 4th December 2025.
During the operation, officers arrested two men – one in his 40s and another in his 50s – on suspicion of explosives offences. The force confirmed both men, who are Polish nationals, remain in police custody.
Army EOD Carries Out Controlled Detonation
In an update, police warned residents they might "hear a bang" as specialists from the Army's Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team were called to support. The controlled explosion was carried out safely in the afternoon.
Authorities have stressed that this is not being treated as a terrorism-related incident and said there is no wider risk to the community. The evacuations were described as a precautionary measure.
Multi-Agency Response and Advice for Residents
Emergency services, including Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service and East Midlands Ambulance Service, remain at the scene. A multi-agency meeting involving Derby City Council and other partners has taken place to coordinate the ongoing response.
Residents within the evacuation zone were advised to prepare to be out of their homes for up to 24 hours. They were also asked to make necessary arrangements for medications and to organise for pets to be moved if required.
An official police statement issued at 5.05pm confirmed the situation: "Officers remain at the scene... 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."
