Residents in Pitsea, Essex, were allowed back into their homes on 10 March 2026 after Essex Police lifted a safety zone following a planned search. Officers had cordoned off a 100-metre area around Rokescroft earlier in the day after finding materials that were potentially hazardous or combustible.
Approximately 100 properties were evacuated as a precaution while a specialist unit, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team, worked to make the area safe. The situation was resolved within a few hours, and the safety cordon was removed by 8:00 PM that evening, once officials confirmed there was no longer a risk to the public.
Ben Banham, 37, of Rokescroft, has since been charged with producing explosives with intent to endanger life or injure property. He is scheduled to appear at Southend Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 12 March, following his arrest during the police warrant execution at his property.
Police have confirmed that the incident is not being treated as a terrorism-related matter. Chief Inspector Paul Hogben stated that there is no wider threat to the community and explained that the evacuations were a necessary precaution while the items were being assessed and made safe.
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