Homes evacuated and pair arrested after chemical discovery in Marlow

Homes were evacuated and two people were arrested after police found chemicals in a 'quiet' Marlow estate yesterday (March 22).

The pair, a man in his twenties and a woman in her forties, remain in police custody as an investigation continues.

Police evacuated six properties over concerns with chemicals found at a home in James Close.

Residents were allowed to return to their homes after a bomb disposal team determined the chemicals were safe.

A police cordon was still in place around a property in James Close today, as well as a forensics team and patrol cars.

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.

"Obviously we were concerned, the police weren’t giving out too much information on what happened."

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: “Officers conducted a warrant at an address in James Close, Marlow, yesterday (22/3).

“A man in his twenties and a woman in her forties, have been arrested on suspicion of offences under the Poisons Act 1972. They both remain in custody.

“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. A police cordon is likely to remain in place at the address for some time.

“If there are members of the public with any concerns then please do speak to one of our officers in the area.”