Two men arrested as counter-terrorism investigate ULEZ camera explosion
The Met’s counter-terrorism command has arrested two men after a ULEZ camera exploded in Sipcup earlier this month.
A 60-year-old man, from Sidcup, was arrested on Monday at around 6am, on suspicion of conspiracy to cause an explosion likely to endanger life or property.
Minutes later, at around 6.15am, a 61-year-old man was arrested in Horsham, on suspicion of conspiracy to cause an explosion likely to endanger life or property, and criminal damage.
Both men remain in custody at a South London police station as police search both of their addresses.
An investigation was launched on December 6, after police, the London Ambulance Service (LAS) and firefighters from Eltham Fire Station were called to reports of an explosion in Willersley Avenue, Sidcup, at around 7pm.
The ULEZ camera – which was installed on the road earlier that day – was cut down at about 5.15pm, police said. The explosion occurred around 90 minutes later.
A man who lives on the street – who asked not to be named – said: “If anyone was walking along they would have been killed. The bus driver was in the back of the fire engine being looked after – I think he was in shock.
“Everyone on the street had come out – we all thought our boilers had blown. It rocked every house.”
A spokeswoman from the London Fire Brigade (LFB) said: “A ULEZ camera, car and bus were damaged as a result of the incident.
“One man was treated on scene by LAS crews.”
The man was discharged at the scene after being treated, the LAS said.
Police described the incident as a “deliberate act”, which was caused by a low-sophistication improvised explosive device (IED).
The Met are not treating the explosion as an act of terrorism, but officers from the Counter Terrorism Command – which includes officers with specialist expertise in explosives – are leading the investigation.
Detective Chief Superintendent Trevor Lawry, said: “The explosion could easily have had far more harmful consequences, and today’s arrests highlight just how seriously the Met is treating the incident.
“The arrests today are a significant step forward in this investigation. Nevertheless, the Counter Terrorism Command is continuing to appeal for the public to share any information that may help the investigation.
“In particular, we are keen that people who drove or cycled on Willersley Avenue between 4.30pm and 7.30pm on December 6 share with the investigation team any camera footage they may have.
“Footage can be uploaded at ukpoliceimageappeal.co.uk – please select the incident ‘Explosion in Sidcup’.
“Anyone with other information that could assist the investigation is urged to share it via the same website or by calling 101 and quoting CAD 5819/06DEC.”
Pictured top: Image showing damage to a nearby van and the dismantled ULEZ camera following the explosion (Picture: @dannydervito)
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Anti terrorism laws will be used to prosecute anyone who goes against the ulez cash cow.