Residents of Cowley Hill, Borehamwood, in Hertfordshire faced a terrifying ordeal on Saturday afternoon when a suspicious object was found under a car, triggering a major evacuation and controlled explosions by a specialist army bomb squad.
Around 50 homes were evacuated, and a 100-metre cordon was set up as police and the British Army worked together to assess the threat.
Emergency Response and Swift Evacuations
Emergency services were called just after 12:30pm, with Hertfordshire Police arriving first, quickly followed by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit.
Officers ordered residents to leave immediately, giving some only two minutes to evacuate.
One witness explained that people—including those in 28 container homes—were instructed to leave or face arrest “for their own safety,” many still in pajamas or not dressed for the outdoors.
Vulnerable Residents Left in Limbo
Michelle Vince, former Labour councillor for Hertsmere Borough Council, went to the scene to support stranded residents.
She described the scene: “People were told to just get out of their homes. Some kids didn’t even have shoes on.
It was lucky it was dry, but many weren’t dressed warmly enough.”
By around 4:30pm, Hertsmere Borough Council had opened an evacuation centre in Borehamwood town centre to shelter those displaced.
A police officer at the scene noted the operation required significant resources, leaving many residents “in limbo,” unsure of what would happen next.
Families Struggle Amid Chaos
Amber, a mother-of-three, had just returned home after being away when police arrived.
“I hadn’t even got through my door when an officer said we needed to leave immediately—or we’d be arrested,” she said.
She fled the area for an hour but returned to find roads still cordoned off.
Moments later, she heard two large explosions as part of the controlled detonation.
Priscilla, another resident, evacuated with her three children, all of whom have disabilities.
She described the experience as frightening: “My kids were still in their pajamas, and there was no time to get food or clothes. We just had to get my son’s medication before leaving.”
Thankfully, volunteers, including Michelle Vince, helped provide blankets, clothing, and food.
Community Support Shines Through
Dan Ozarow, mayor of Elstree and Borehamwood, helped hand out supplies and described a “general sense of bewilderment” among residents.
“Children were sitting on the grass verges, neighbors were offering blankets and food.
People were pulling together to help each other,” he said.
Many families, including those with young children, remain at the evacuation centre, where Hertsmere Borough Council has been providing essentials such as food, clothing, and baby milk for those unable to return home.
Police Statement and Public Advisory
Hertsmere Police confirmed: “Police are currently in attendance at a scene on Cowley Hill, Borehamwood following the discovery of a suspicious object.
A 100-metre cordon has been put in place while the object is assessed by the EOD unit.
Several roads have been closed, and officers are assisting with the evacuation of residents.
We advise the public to avoid the area and motorists to seek an alternative route.”
Authorities, including Hertfordshire Police, Hertsmere Borough Council, and the British Army, continue to monitor the situation closely.