Bomb squad called and homes evacuated after 'substances' found in residential street - as woman, 35, is charged over 'explosives'

See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred Source Published: 11:02 EDT, 16 September 2026 | Updated: 11:03 EDT, 16 September 2026 A bomb squad has been called and homes evacuated after 'substances' were discovered in a concealed area of a property in a Sheffield suburb.Police first attended an address on Mapplebeck Road, in the High Green area of the city, on Friday, before the discovery yesterday triggered a large emergency response.Rachel Hale, 35, has been charged under Section 4 of the Explosive Substances Act 1883 and was remanded in custody at court on Monday.Images show a heavy police presence at the 100m cordon, with specialist members of the Army's Explosive Ordnance Team, as well as a military-grade explosives robot, on the scene.Gold Commander Assistant Chief Constable Ian Proffitt of South Yorkshire Police said on Wednesday that the evacuation, which has also seen Greengate Lane Academy closed, will be in force until specialists deem it no longer necessary.In a video message, Assistant Chief Constable Proffitt said: 'We do not underestimate the impact on those local residents whose homes have been evacuated.'We understand you will have many questions about why this has happened and, while active court proceedings limit what we can say, I can assure you this is for your safety.'There has been a police presence at the house since Friday, as part of an investigation into potential explosive substances. Experts from the Army's Explosive Ordnance Team at the scene on Mapplebeck Road, in the High Green area of Sheffield A 100m cordon remains in place after items were found at the property 'in a concealed area' on Tuesday'A woman has been charged in connection with this and appeared in court on Monday.'He added: 'Yesterday afternoon, following the discovery of additional items in a concealed area, the evacuation became necessary.'We do not take these decisions lightly and consult with experts to ensure we are taking the right actions to keep people safe.'Those evacuated from their homes have been sent to a nearby rest centre.Road closures remain in place on Mapplebeck Road, Griffiths Road, School Road, Green Gate Lane, Worrall Road, Beechwood Road, Hawthorne Road, Entwhistle Road and Greenwood Road.Resident Tina Martin told the BBC she was informed she must leave her home last night. 'We got a knock on the door to say we had to evacuate,' she said. 'We've got pets, we've got all our belongings in the house. Clothing, food, everything - it's quite worrying just being left out with nowhere to go.' South Yorkshire Police said the Explosive Ordnance Team would advise officers when it was safe for residents to return. Residents affected by the evacuation have been told they can call Sheffield City Council on 0114 293 0111.Hale will next appear at Sheffield Crown Court on September 22.