Banff teenager in court following bomb evacuation

A TEENAGER, arrested after homes in an Aberdeenshire town were evacuated following the discovery of suspicious materials, appeared in court today, charged with contravening the Explosives Substances Act.

Connor Ward, 19, from Banff, appeared on petition at Peterhead Sheriff Court.

He was charged under Sections 3(1) B and 4 of the Explosive Substances Act, 1883. The first section makes it an offence to make, possess or control an explosive substance with intent to cause an explosion likely to endanger life, while Section 4 makes it an offence to make or possess explosives under suspicious circumstances.

Ward was also charged under Section 38 of the Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010.

A Crown Office spokesman said Ward had made no plea or declaration and had been remanded in custody. He is expected to appear in court again on 29 May.

On Friday residents and businesses in seven streets in the Low Shore area of Banff were evacuated after suspicious materials were found at a house in the area. Grampian Police set up a 100 metre cordon around the property in Water Lane and established a reception centre at Banff Academy for people who were moved out of their homes and businesses.