Counter terror police investigating ULEZ camera explosion

The Metropolitan Police have launched an investigation into an explosion in Sidcup in which a ULEZ camera and surrounding property were damaged.

It is believed the explosion was caused by a low-sophistication improvised explosive device (IED).

The incident is not being treated as terrorism, but is being investigated by officers from Counter Terrorism Command, which includes those with specialist expertise in explosives.

A ULEZ camera was installed earlier in the day on 6th December. From the investigation so far, it is believed that it was cut down around 17:15hrs that afternoon and an explosion occurred around 90 minutes later. The explosion caused further damage to the camera, as well as to some nearby vehicles and a residential property was also damaged. However, no members of the public were injured.

Officers recovered the remains of an IED, which have been sent to a specialist team for urgent forensic examination.

Detective Chief Superintendent Trevor Lawry, Commander for the Bexley area said: “Thankfully, nobody was injured as a result of this incident, but it is extremely concerning that an explosive device seems to have been deliberately placed in a public place. This could have very easily resulted in members of the public being very seriously injured.

“Because of the seriousness of this incident, we are making urgent enquiries to try and identify anyone involved, and officers with specialist expertise and capability from our Counter Terrorism Command are leading the investigation.

“This was an extremely dangerous incident that could have resulted in innocent members of the public being injured or worse. If you have any information that could assist our investigation, then I would urge you to get in touch immediately.”

Image by Franz P. Sauerteig from Pixabay