A bomb disposal squad are attending an address in Eastbourne after a mystery liquid was found in a house, causing the evacuation of 160 homes.
Police were called to an address in Hyde Road at 5.27pm on Monday evening after receiving reports of an unidentified liquid.
Tracy Westlake, 55, who lives next door to the house said that a leaking package wrapped in brown tape had been removed from the house.
“The police tapped on my door this morning and asked me to leave. You can still smell whatever it was that was leaking from the package.”
She continued: “You can still smell the chemicals in the air now.”
The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team attended to assess the item, with residents in nearby properties advised to stay indoors while access to the area was restricted.
It was then decided that a planned evacuation of those living in the vicinity would take place on Tuesday 24 June, with residents from six different streets asked to leave their homes by 9am.
Local councillor Robert Smart told BBC Radio Sussex that the substance was “potentially dangerous”, and said “we will no doubt learn more” about the nature of the liquid.
Sussex Police officers remain at the scene while the roads are closed, with no immediate risk to the public.
Detective Superintendent Jon Robeson said: “Our priority is to keep people safe. We are satisfied that there is no immediate risk to residents and an evacuation of nearby homes can be completed safely and effectively during daylight hours to minimise impact on the local residents.
“We will have a number of uniformed officers present on Tuesday morning to assist with the planned evacuation and offer further advice.
“We would encourage residents of Hyde Road, Camden Road, Calverley Road, West Terrace, Bath Road and Grove Road to leave their addresses by 9am.
“We appreciate the support of residents and the wider community who will be affected by the necessary precautionary actions we need to take, and hopefully they will be able to swiftly return to their homes.
“I would like to thank them for their patience and understanding while we bring this incident to a safe conclusion.
“The item is secure and the road closed, and a number of police will be present to provide reassurance as we work with emergency services and other partner agencies to minimise disruption.
“Public safety is our priority, and the cordon will take in around 160 homes. We will allow residents to return to their homes as soon as it is safe for them to do so.”
