Residents in Rushden were evacuated from their homes on Saturday evening after a potentially suspicious item was discovered in the Rockingham Court area. Northamptonshire Police set up a 100-metre cordon as a precaution and called in specialist officers from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit.
The force was alerted shortly before 7pm and immediately moved to secure the area. A rest centre was established at Hope Methodist Church in Higham Ferrers for those affected by the evacuation. Police stated that the cordon was a precautionary measure and that they hoped to resolve the incident as quickly as possible.
Following a thorough examination by EOD specialists, the item was confirmed to be a firework and not a viable device. It was safely removed, and residents have been allowed to return to their homes. There is no ongoing risk to the public.
Northamptonshire Police thanked local residents for their patience and cooperation, emphasising that public safety remains their highest priority. The force apologised for any inconvenience caused during the operation.
