A significant emergency unfolded in Derby, situated in central England, as authorities evacuated around 200 residences and detained two individuals on charges related to explosives.

According to Derbyshire Constabulary, the evacuations were a safety measure initiated after officers, acting on intelligence regarding certain materials, executed a warrant at a property on Vulcan Street. This information was shared through a social media update.

The two individuals taken into custody are both male, one in his 40s and the other in his 50s, as per the police statement. Their identities remain undisclosed, as they are currently under police custody.

Derby police conducted a controlled detonation at the site where the emergency was declared, which led to the evacuation of over 200 homes. The arrested men, suspected of offenses involving explosives, are identified as Polish nationals. This event unfolded on Thursday, December 4, 2025. (Jacob King/PA Images via Getty Images)

A local teenager expressed his astonishment to the BBC upon hearing about the sudden evacuation.

“I was very shocked, I didn’t know what to do. I literally jumped off my bed, put my clothes on, and then I was just letting everyone know [they had to leave],” Esteban Duda, 17, said.

Authorities evacuated nearly 200 homes in the town of Derby, central England. (Derbyshire Constabulary via Facebook)

The British Army’s Explosive Ordnance Division reportedly carried out a controlled explosion in the area, according to the BBC. Prior to the controlled explosion, authorities warned that residents in the area “may hear a bang.”

Derbyshire Constabulary said that the incident was not being investigated as terrorism and that there is no risk to the surrounding community. However, as a precaution, those who live in the area are advised to prepare to be out of their homes for 24 hours.

An aerial image shows the Derby neighborhood placed under evacuation, where about 200 homes were affected. (Google Earth)

Members of the public who are not at home or who have evacuated are advised to message the Derbyshire Constabulary Facebook page, as officers are knocking on doors to ensure the area is clear. Those who cannot access social media are asked to use the 101 non-emergency number.