Residents tell of shock after army bomb squad rushes to Chesterfield street after ‘device’ found

Police were called to a block of flats off Devonshire Close at around 2am to concerns for the safety of a man.

MORE: This is how much money Chesterfield Borough Council made from parking charges in 2018-19

A 25-year-old man was arrested and a device was found in an outhouse at the rear of the flats.

Emergency services and expert officers from the Royal Logistic Corps attended the scene and made the device and surrounding area ‘safe’, according to a Derbyshire Constabulary spokesperson.

The spokesperson added: “The block of flats has been evacuated for the safety of residents and will remain so while enquiries continue, with officers remaining in the area.

“Further updates will be issued when information is received.”

One man who lives close to the scene – who did not want to be named – told the Derbyshire Times: “You don’t expect to wake up and see the bomb squad near your doorstep.

“It’s quite a shock.

“I don’t know all the circumstances but it looks like the situation is under control.”

Another resident who wanted to remain anonymous added: “It’s all brought back memories of when the bomb squad was called to that incident on Sheffield Road in Chesterfield in 2017.

“We’ll have to wait and see what happens with the police investigation.”

Another resident praised the emergency services for their ‘quick response’.

Anyone with information about the incident should call Derbyshire Constabulary on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

MORE: Inquest opens into death of Chesterfield soldier who was 'murdered' on night out