DOZENS of terrified families were forced to evacuate their homes after a “suspicious object” was found and an army bomb squad was deployed.
Around 50 homes had to be abandoned as a 100-metre cordon was installed around the scene in Cowley Hill, Borehamwood, yesterday.
LNPThe police tape blocked off a grassed area[/caption]
LNPA police cordon outside a property in Borehamwood yesterday[/caption]
LNPA cordon and evidence markers at the scene[/caption]
Emergency services were called at 12.30pm on Saturday, before they were joined by the EOD (Explosive Ordinance Disposal) unit.
Locals, including from 28 container homes, were told by officers they had “just two minutes to evacuate”, reports the Daily Mail.
Some people were still in their pyjamas as they left their homes, having reportedly been told they would be “arrested for their own safety” if they failed to comply.
It’s understood the incident related to a “particular address” in the area.
Amber, a mum-of-three who lives off Crown Road, said not long after leaving her home she heard “two large bangs”, adding residents were “left standing in the street, with no food, no toilet, no information about what was happening”.
Michelle Vince, a former Labour councillor for Hertsmere Borough Council, who was at the scene, told the Mail “one little boy didn’t have any shoes on”.
She said at around 4.30pm the council opened an evacuation centre in Borehamwood town centre.
Ms Vince said otherwise residents were “left outside and in limbo”.
Last night, scores of residents faced sleeping at the centre, with the council understood to have provided food and other supplies, including clothing for those who couldn’t return to their homes.
A statement from Hertfordshire Police yesterday said: “Police have launched an investigation following a report at around 12.15pm today (Saturday 16 August), that a suspicious object had been located on Cowley Hill, Borehamwood.
“Officers are currently in attendance at the scene where a cordon was put in place and a number of residential properties were evacuated as a precaution.
“The object is being assessed by the EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) unit.
“We urge the public to avoid the area and motorists to seek an alternative route at this time as a number of roads in the area are closed.
“We kindly advise residents who have been directly affected by this incident to use the reception centre that has been opened at 96 Shenley Road, which has been set up by our partners at Hertsmere Borough Council.”
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