A significant evacuation has taken place in Margate following the discovery of what were believed to be suspicious items in a flat on Rosedale Road. The incident, which unfolded in the seaside town, led to the temporary displacement of dozens of residents. A man has been arrested and is currently in custody, while authorities remain on high alert.
Neighbours expressed concern after police reportedly found a bag that might have contained an explosive device. As a precaution, four entire streets were evacuated, with Kent Police initiating the process around 4 p.m. on Wednesday. The situation escalated when army personnel were seen searching the flat for two hours following a raid.
One local resident, a restaurant manager, described the events as chaotic. He mentioned hearing a loud pop, which he believes was a controlled explosion. “It’s a family living there with a teenage son,” he said. “The army carried in this huge box. It took two soldiers to carry it.”
Another resident, Lisa, shared her experience of being evacuated and staying overnight in a hotel. She recounted how police knocked on her door, urging her to leave immediately. “They were hammering on the door, saying: ‘You’ve got to get out, the Ministry of Defence are evacuating everyone.’” She compared the scene to something from a movie, adding, “It was all so out of the blue.”
Lisa also joked about her cat, saying she had let her out in case of an explosion. “If it goes off, there’s nothing we can do about it. We’ve let the cat out so hopefully she won’t be blown away.”
A cordon has been established around the area, with an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team from the Ministry of Defence on site. Roads such as Glencoe Road, Wharfedale Road, and Malham Drive have been evacuated.
Dane Valley ward councillors released a statement addressing the situation. They confirmed that police had contacted them regarding the 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,” the statement read. It emphasized that there is no cause for concern at this stage and that the situation is being handled professionally.
Residents who have been asked to leave their homes are encouraged to reach out for assistance or support. Teams are present both on-site and at the evacuation point to ensure the safety and well-being of those affected.
An evacuation point has been set up at Hartsdown Leisure Centre for any residents who need a place to stay. The community remains on edge, waiting for further updates on the situation.
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