A criminal investigation has been launched by The Metropolitan Police in relation to an explosion that took place in Sidcup last night, in which a ULEZ camera and surrounding property were damaged.
“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, they are making urgent enquiries to try and identify anyone involved, and officers with specialist expertise and capability from their 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 the investigation, then you should urge you to get in touch immediately.”- Detective Chief Superintendent Trevor Lawry, Commander for the Bexley area
Anyone with information that could assist with the investigation should call 101 quoting CAD 5819/06DEC.
Local police officers were called to reports of an explosion on Willersley Avenue, Sidcup, at approximately 18:45hrs yesterday, 6 December, and officers, along with colleagues from London Fire Brigade attended.
From the investigation so far, it is believed that a ULEZ camera – which had been installed on the road earlier that day – was cut down at around 17:15hrs that afternoon. An explosion occurred around 90 minutes later, at which point police were called.
They are keeping an open mind as to whether or not there is a connection between the camera being cut down and the planting of the explosive device.
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.
The remains of an IED were recovered by officers and have been sent to a specialist team for urgent forensic examination. Officers are also carrying out extensive CCTV enquiries in and around the area.
At this stage, there have been no arrests made in connection with this incident, and enquiries remain ongoing.
Although this is being treated as an isolated incident, they would also advise anyone who sees suspicious activity or a suspicious device on or nearby to a ULEZ camera should not approach and should contact police immediately by calling 999.
Breakdown of Events:
- Installation of ULEZ Camera: A ULEZ camera was installed on Willersley Avenue, Sidcup, earlier in the day.
- Camera Cut Down: Around 17:15hrs, the ULEZ camera was cut down.
- Explosion Occurs: Approximately 90 minutes later, an explosion took place near the ULEZ camera.
- Emergency Response: Local police officers were called to the scene on Willersley Avenue at around 18:45hrs. Officers, along with colleagues from the London Fire Brigade, attended.
- Investigation Initiated: The incident was treated as a deliberate act, and a criminal investigation was launched by the Metropolitan Police.
- No Injuries Reported: Fortunately, no injuries were reported as a result of the explosion.
- Damage to Property: The explosion caused damage to the ULEZ camera, nearby vehicles, and a residential property.
- IED Recovery: Officers recovered the remains of an improvised explosive device (IED), which was sent for forensic examination.
- CCTV Enquiries: Extensive CCTV enquiries were initiated in and around the area to gather evidence.
- No Arrests Yet: As of the latest update, no arrests have been made in connection with the incident.
- Appeal for Information: The police urged anyone with information related to the incident to come forward and contact them.
- Warning to the Public: Authorities advised the public not to approach suspicious devices near ULEZ cameras and to report such sightings to the police.
Source: Metropolitan Police Services
