Drugs alert forces home evacuations

RESIDENTS were evacuated from their homes yesterday evening after police were called to an incident which officers described as being “related to the production of drugs”.

By The Newsroom

Published 11th May 2012, 07:00 BST

Locals in Ridgehill Avenue, in the Intake area of Sheffield, initially thought that emergency services activity in the street was the result of a bomb scare.

But after some people were asked to leave their homes, South Yorkshire Police said the operation had been mounted in relation to a drugs operation.

A force spokesman said last night: “Chemicals in relation to drugs production were found and are being disposed of safely. This was not a bomb scare.

“The road has been closed and a number of neighbouring properties have been evacuated as a precautionary measure and there is no concern for public safety.

“A local man in his 30s has been arrested on suspicion of attempting to produce class A drugs and is currently in police custody.”

Roads around Ridgehill Avenue were closed mid-afternoon and police thanked motorists for their patience. They reopened later in the evening.