Police make arrests over ULEZ camera explosion

Detectives from the Met's Counter Terrorism Command have made two arrests in an investigation into an explosion in Sidcup where a ULEZ camera and surrounding property.

The Met’s Counter Terrorism Command is leading the investigation due to its expertise in incidents involving explosives and made the two arrests on Monday 18 December.

A 60-year-old man in Sidcup was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to cause an explosion likely to endanger life or property, contrary to section two of the Explosive Substances Act 1883 and  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, contrary to section one of the Criminal Damage Act 1971.

Searches are taking place at two addresses in Sidcup and Horsham.

Police were called to reports of an explosion on Willersley Avenue, Sidcup, at approximately 18:45hrs on 6 December. It is believed that a ULEZ camera, which had been installed earlier that day was cut down at around 17:15hrs that afternoon. There was an explosion around 90 minutes later, which was caused by a low-sophistication improvised explosive device.

Police are appealing for information and camera footage from those who were in the area on 6 December.

Detective Chief Superintendent Trevor Lawry, Commander for the Bexley area, 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.

“My local officers are continuing to work with and support the Counter Terrorism Command who are leading the investigation due to their specialism in dealing with incidents involving the use of explosives.”