The emergency operation in the A259 in St Leonards has now concluded after all the chemicals found in a property were safely removed from the scene.
A major incident was declared on Thursday (20 March) and a 100m cordon set up after hazardous substances were discovered in a house.
The cordon has now been removed and the road has reopened to the public.
A police presence will remain in the area to carry out additional investigation inside the property and to provide visible reassurance to the public.
Follow-up communications are planned for all impacted residents, and our partners will continue to work together to support a full return to normality.
The emergency operation is now concluded and there are no plans to issue further ongoing updates at this time.
A 28-year-old local man was arrested and subsequently detained under the Mental Health Act.
Enquiries are ongoing, but there is currently no evidence to suggest the incident was terror-related, linked to large-scale drug production or any sinister motives.
Detective Superintendent Steve May said:
“We know this incident has been disruptive and concerning for the local community and I would once again like to express my thanks for the patience and support shown to us by the public.
“Multi-agency operations such as these are complex and rely on the collaboration and determination of many people, all working with public safety as their number one priority.
“Through the Sussex Resilience Forum we have robust, well-rehearsed plans for major incidents, and that preparation has been crucial to ensuring this incident was resolved safely.
“Thank you to all of our partners for their support, as well as the police officers, staff and volunteers for their hard work, commitment and diligence.”
Sussex Police extends its thanks to all the agencies involved, including the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team; East Sussex, Kent, Essex, Cambridgeshire and Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Services; East Sussex County Council; Hastings Borough Council; the Environment Agency; South East Coast Ambulance Service; the Department for Environmental and Rural Affairs; the UK Health and Security Agency and East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust.
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