Residents were roused from their homes by police officers

Householders from a cluster of Sheffield streets remain homeless this afternoon following a “discovery” at a property sparking their evacuation.

Police and bomb disposal experts have been working at the scene - a house on Mapplebeck Road since Friday, September 11 - searching for “potentially explosive substances”.

placeholder image — Police on School Lane | Iconic

Residents were roused from their homes by police officers around 7pm on Tuesday, September 15 following the discovery of items in a “concealed area”.

A 100-metre cordon remains in place around the Mapplebeck Road property at the centre of the police probe, resulting in the evacuation of nearby homes.

Around 70 homes have been evacuated.

A number of surrounding streets are also cordoned off - Griffiths Road, School Road, Worrall Road, Beechwood Road, Hawthorne Road, Entwhistle Road and Greenwood Road.

Staff at Greengate Lane Academy confirmed today (Wednesday) that the school has been closed as a result of the police operation.

It is understood that residents with nowhere to go since the evacuation spent the night at a nearby leisure centre and have since been moved to hotels.

Sheffield City Council has been helping to arrange emergency accommodation for those who need it.

Police tactical support officers and an army bomb disposal team were seen on Worrall Road today near the house at the centre of the incident working around a bomb disposal van with a robotic unit inside.

Evacuees assembled at the cordon trying to gain access to their homes to care for pets, collect medication for relatives or simply to be updated by officers guarding the scene.

Cordons remain in place as the search continues | Iconic

A common complaint was a lack of communication from authorities.

One woman, who is staying with her daughter nearby, said: “The only information we’ve found out is what we’ve seen online.

“We’re not being informed - we’re just having to wait and see when we can get back in our homes.

“We could have had some warning there was a possibility we were being evacuated but we’ve had nothing until they knocked on the door last night.”

Pauline Bradley added: “I appreciate what they have to do but they’ve known about this since Friday and there’s been no planning for us.

“I’ve had to miss a day off work and day’s pay, I’ve got medication in the house. I just need to sleep. It’s just a case of waiting.”

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Speaking about the ongoing work at the house, Assistant Chief Constable Ian Proffitt, said it had been “carefully progressing”.

He said: “The army’s explosive ordnance team are now leading the search, and while it’s imperative they work safely, they are working as quickly as they can and will advise us when it is safe for residents to return home.”

A South Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “We don’t underestimate the impact this has had on those affected and want to thank residents for their continued patience, understanding and cooperation.

“Throughout this incident, emergency services, the local authority, health partners and other agencies have been working closely together to support residents.

“This has included providing assistance for those requiring medication or healthcare support, and arranging accommodation for anyone unable to stay with family or friends.

“We understand how challenging this situation is for local people and remain committed to ensuring everyone affected receives the support they need while this important safety work continues.”

Sheffield Council has set up a helpline residents can ring - 0114 293 0111 - for support.