Two Men Arrested After Sidcup Explosion
Detectives from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command made two arrests on Monday, 18 December, in a major breakthrough in the Sidcup explosion probe. The specialists, experienced in explosive incidents, swooped early morning to detain a 60-year-old man in Sidcup and a 61-year-old man in Horsham.
Details of the Arrests
- Sidcup man arrested at 6:10am on suspicion of conspiracy to cause an explosion likely to endanger life or property, under the Explosive Substances Act 1883.
- Horsham man arrested five minutes later on suspicion of conspiracy to cause an explosion and criminal damage, under the Criminal Damage Act 1971.
Both suspects remain in custody at a south London police station while searches continue at two addresses in Sidcup and Horsham.
Blast Could Have Been Far Worse, Say Police
“The explosion could easily have had far more harmful consequences,” said Detective Chief Superintendent Trevor Lawry, Commander for Bexley. “Today’s arrests show how seriously the Met is treating this incident. Our local officers continue to support the Counter Terrorism Command.”
The explosion happened on Willersley Avenue, Sidcup, on 6 December at about 6:45pm. Earlier that day, a ULEZ camera had been cut down around 5:15pm. The blast, caused by a low-tech improvised explosive device, followed roughly 90 minutes later.
Public Urged to Help Crack Case
The Met is appealing for witnesses or anyone with footage from Willersley Avenue between 4:30pm and 7:30pm on 6 December to come forward. They are especially interested in camera footage from drivers or cyclists who passed through during that time.
Footage can be uploaded at ukpoliceimageappeal.co.uk—select the “Explosion in Sidcup” incident.
Anyone with other information should call 101 quoting CAD 5819/06DEC or use the same website.
