MOST people living in a Derbyshire village who were evacuated after the discovery of a "home-made explosive device" in a flat have been told they can return home.
Six controlled explosions were carried out by bomb disposal experts following the discovery in Belvoir Crescent, Newhall , on Saturday night.
Up to 200 people were evacuated from their homes and a 100-metre cordon placed around the flat.
Police made the disturbing discovery during a search of the property, which began at 5.25pm.
Superintendent Paul Callum, in charge of the incident today, said officers were sent there after a report somebody was making fireworks.
Officers said they first found what was suspected to be cannabis and later a "potential very volatile" material.
A 55-year-old man, arrested on Saturday, remains in police custody on suspicion of a controlled drugs offence and under section 2 of the Explosives Act.
Superintendent Paul Callum, in charge of the operation, said: "I'm pleased to say that everyone, apart from the three immediate neighbours of the flat in Belvoir Crescent, can now return to their homes.
"We are content that there is no longer any potential danger to residents in the area.
"I would like to thank local residents for their patience and co-operation. Their safety was paramount, which is why we asked them to leave their homes last night."
He estimated around 50 emergency service workers and army personnel have been at the scene.
Richard Bacon, 52, was among those who were evacuated. He said: "We got a knock on the door from a policeman saying there had been an incident and that we would have to leave for at least 24 hours.
"It was a shock. He wouldn't tell us why but we saw on Sky News that some sort of volatile substance had been found."
Joanne Bolton's house in Belvoir Crescent fell just outside the 100-metre radius and so she was not evacuated.
The 37-year-old said: "I feel sorry for the people who have had to leave their homes. There's around 50 flats there and many of them are elderly.
"We saw people in their 90s being evacuated on stretches because they struggle to walk. It's dreadful for them.
"At 5.45am, we heard the bomb squad carrying out three controlled explosions. It's a scary thing to happen where you live."
