Twenty four Second World War devices have been detonated in a controlled explosion this evening.

Firefighters, the ambulance service and police were called to Seahaven Residential Home in Wellington Parade, Kingsdown, at 11am after it is believed a fire started from a suspicious liquid found in jars beneath the soil.

Residents were evacuated, a 50m cordon was put in place and a bomb disposal team was later called, arriving about 12.30pm.

The detonation, described as a minor explosion, took place on the beach at the end of Boundary road.

Our reporter at the scene said: "The detonation amounted to a small thud of bright orange light, which went about 20 metres into the air from the beach.

"Residents and onlookers were not given prior warning. I suspect the operation was probably aided by the rain, which has contained the plume of smoke."

A resident told KentOnline the discovery was made by workers putting a new fence up in the residential home's garden.

Phosphorus, a poisonous chemical, was located, KFRS has confirmed.

Nearby residents including staff from the home were asked to remove their clothing and wear yellow chemical suits.

Earlier a spokesman for Kent Fire and Rescue Service said: “We are at the scene investigating the discovery of a small number of suspected WW2 devices in the garden on an address in Wellington Parade, Kingsdown.

"Twenty four small devices have been found.

“A number of homes have been evacuated and a 50m cordon has been put in place as a precaution.”

Seahaven provides support for individuals with learning disabilities and sensory and behavioural needs.

A spokesman said: “We can confirm that we are assisting Kent Fire & Rescue Service with an incident in Wellington Parade, Kingsdown.

He added: “Our primary concern is the safety of our staff and the people we support at Seahaven and Kingsdown Lodge and, on that note, we can confirm that in line with guidelines provided to the residents of all properties on Wellington Parade we have safely evacuated everyone and have contingency plans in place.

“All of the relevant authorities have been made aware of the incident and we are providing updates as and when available.”

Phosphorus exists in two forms, white phosphorus, a yellowish waxy solid which ignites spontaneously in air and glows in the dark, and red phosphorus, a less reactive form used in making matches.