Residents evacuated as police raid finds chemicals
Homes were evacuated and a bomb disposal team was deployed to a ‘quiet’ Marlow estate after police found chemicals in a property on Friday, March 22, writes Sam Leech.
Police raided a home in James Close and discovered chemicals which led to six nearby properties being evacuated as a precaution.
The residents returned to their homes a few hours later, after an explosive ordnance disposal team deemed the chemicals to be safe.
Police have not confirmed what chemicals were found but said an investigation is ongoing following the discovery.
Two people were arrested following the warrant.
Morgan Thackwell, 23, of James Close, has since been charged with two counts of possession of an offensive weapon in a private place, one count of cocaine possession , one count of cannabis possession, and one count of possession of a Section 5 Firearm.
He appeared at High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court in Tuesday and was remanded in custody to appear at Aylesbury Crown Court on April 30.
A woman in her 50s, also arrested following the raid, was released on police bail until June 13.
A James Close resident, who did not want to be named, told the Advertiser: “It’s normally a really quiet area.
“Everyone keeps themselves to themselves and there’s no trouble at all.
“The whole car park from the front to the back – the whole area was swarming with police.
“In Marlow you don’t see that many police, you might see a car once in a while.”
Another resident, who also did not wish to be named, said: “It was a bit weird and strange, I didn’t really understand what was going on.”
Detective Chief Inspector Sally Spencer, crime manager for Aylesbury Vale local policing area, said on Saturday: “Six properties were evacuated as a precaution due to chemicals being found in the property, with support from our emergency services partners.
“The evacuated residents returned to their homes a few hours later after the explosive ordnance disposal team deemed the chemicals to be safe.
“An investigation is ongoing and members of the public are likely to see an increased police presence while enquiries are ongoing.”
In an update on Tuesday, Thames Valley Police added: “We would like to thank the public for their patience and if anyone has any concerns to please raise them to one of our uniformed officers.”