Bomb squad search prompts overnight evacuation

Residents evacuated from a street in Sheffield after bomb disposal experts were called have spent the night away from their homes.

A 328ft (100m) cordon was put in place around a property in Mapplebeck Road, in High Green, on Tuesday, following a forensic search which began last week.

South Yorkshire Police said a 35-year-old woman had been charged under the Explosive Substances Act on Monday as a result of the operation and had been remanded in custody.

On Wednesday the force said the cordon was "expected to remain in place throughout today" while work to make the area safe continued, with a number of roads closed as a result.

The force said the evacuation of a number of surrounding properties was "deemed necessary... to enable emergency services and specialists to ensure safety".

Police said no injuries had been reported and other emergency services were at the scene as a precaution.

Residents who were advised to leave their homes were directed to a nearby rest centre.

"We don't underestimate the impact this has had on those affected and want to thank residents for their continued patience, understanding and cooperation," a police spokesperson said.

"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."

South Yorkshire Police said the nearby Greengate Lane Academy had been closed as a result of the incident.

Tina Martin, who lives on Worrall Road, was evacuated from her home at about 18:00 BST on Tuesday.

"We got a knock on the door to say we had to evacuate," she explained.

Martin said she had time to "get some stuff together, get my pets" and then went to stay at her daughter's house.

"We've got pets, we've got all our belongings in the house. Clothing, food, everything - it's quite worrying just being left out with nowhere to go," she said.

Meanwhile, Amy Copeland said her dad was evacuated from his home at about 17:00 BST on Tuesday.

"We got back from work last night and then [dad] had a knock from police saying, 'you've got to evacuate'," she said.

"Luckily for him, his sons live around the area so he's got a residence to stay at.

"I stayed at my partner's house, so this is completely bizarre to me."

Sheffield City Council said it was working closely with emergency services and partner organisations to support residents affected by the ongoing incident.

Residents affected by the evacuation who required support should contact the council, a spokesperson said.

Road closures remain in place on Mapplebeck Road, Griffiths Road, School Road, Green Gate Lane, Worrall Road, Beechwood Road, Hawthorne Road, Entwhistle Road and Greenwood Road.

Rachel Hale, of Mapplebeck Road, appeared at Sheffield Magistrates' Court on Monday charged with an offence under Section 4 of the Explosive Substances Act 1883.

She was remanded in custody and is next due to appear at the same court on 22 September.

Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North