Man, 56, charged with 'causing a public nuisance' over extensive police cordon and evacuation in Sheffield
A man has been charged with "causing a public nuisance" over an incident which led to the evacuation of a block of flats and a large police cordon being put in place.
South Yorkshire Police deployed officers to the Lansdowne flats, on Washington Road, Sharrow, on Wednesday, March 18 over concerns about a "suspicious device" in a residential flat.
A 100m police cordon shut several streets and dozens of neighbouring flats were evacuated until 8pm, with approximately 30 emergency vehicles pictured at the scene.
Now, Steven Budzizewski, aged 56, has been charged with intentionally or recklessly causing a public nuisance and affray over the incident.
Following assessments by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, it was confirmed that the device which triggered the emergency response was not "viable".
Following additional searches the cordon was lifted and residents were able to return home.
Budzizewski, of Washington Road, was charged and remanded to appear at Sheffield Magistrates' Court today (March 19).
Superintendent Martin Simcock said: “I appreciate that yesterday’s incident will have caused disruption for some residents, and I would like to thank the local community for their patience and cooperation as officers carried out necessary checks.”