Controlled blast at house as police arrest terror suspect

Published on Friday 18 April 2008 13:23

A TEENAGE terror suspect was being held by police today after a bomb disposal team carried out a controlled explosion in his home.

Around 30 people were evacuated from houses in a quiet cul-de-sac near Bristol as officers searched the property after a "covert" operation prompted by intelligence.

Bomb disposal experts carried out the explosion in the property in Westbury-on-Trym at around 2am.

Neighbours who were not evacuated said they heard a loud blast, like a gas boiler blowing up, during the night.

But they woke this morning to find letters on their doormats from Avon and Somerset Police telling them of the arrest in connection with a "potentially serious criminal matter".

Police described the arrest as "a preventative measure", adding that the search was "critical".

Locals said the 19-year-old man under arrest had not been in the house long, but described him as polite. One said he was heavily built and often seen wearing traditional Muslim dress and carrying a satchel.

He was being held at an undisclosed police station in the area under the Terrorism Act 2000.

Assistant Chief Constable Jackie Roberts said: "It was a controlled explosion and the materials will be sent off for analysis.

"We responded to intelligence given to us in the last 24 hours."

She said that it was too early to say if any more arrests would be made, adding: "This is likely to be a prolonged, complex and sensitive inquiry which may take some time. We would like to reassure people that this arrest has been made to prevent harm."

Counter-terrorism officers from Scotland Yard travelled to Bristol to assist local officers.

Neighbour Margaret Ball, 66, said: "When I looked outside there was a huge commotion. The road was crammed full with police vans and cars. I didn't see anyone being taken away. The explosion came from a house right at the end.

"I know the young Muslim who lives there. I saw him walking down the road last week in a linen cotton outfit with chiffon sides.

"I think he was the only Muslim man who lived there."

Sheila Cook said: "I went outside and found the whole police force there and they just told me to get back inside. When I woke up there was a letter telling me they had arrested someone."

Mother-of-three Sharon Goodman said: "People are shocked because this is such a quiet area with lots of old people.

"There are some Muslims, but it is a predominantly white area.

"I've never heard of any terrorist activities happening here."

Farooq Siddique, of the Bristol Muslim Cultural Society, said: "We have a long history of very good community relations here and people have worked very hard to keep it that way."