Homes evacuated after reports of suspicious items

Homes in four roads in Margate have been evacuated following a report of suspicious items found at a property in Rosedale Road

Residents have been evacuated in four roads in Margate following a report of a property containing suspicious items, Kent Police say.

Officers were called at about 16:00 BST on Wednesday to Rosedale Road after reports were raised about items contained inside a flat.

Police say a cordon has been put in place and an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) is at the scene and inspecting the items.

A spokesperson for the force said: "A person has been arrested in connection with the incident and taken into custody."

They added homes in Rosedale Road, Glencoe Road, Wharfedale Road and Malham Drive have been evacuated.

Thanet councillor Jack Packman has urged residents who are affected by the incident to seek help.

"If you have family or friends you can stay with for the short term, you are advised to do so," he said.

"However, if this is not possible, Thanet District Council has set up an evacuation point at Hartsdown Leisure Centre, where support and assistance are available."