Forest bomb was criminal, not terrorism

AN EXPLOSION in woods near Loch Lomond is no longer being treated as a terror investigation, security sources have revealed.

• Police take away material for investigation during the search of the site of the explosion in Garadhban Forest Pictures : Getty Images

The blast, and subsequent discovery of numerous explosive devices by police called to the scene, remains part of a criminal inquiry, but detectives no longer suspect terrorists were behind it.

The devices were taken away by Royal Navy bomb disposal experts and have been examined in laboratories.

Strathclyde Police have been conducting a fingertip search of the area of Garadhban Forest, near the village of Gartocharn, where the blast took place on 17 November and pursuing a number of positive lines of inquiry.

Officially, police remain tight-lipped about what has been found, for fear of prejudicing any potential future court case.

They do not believe a large waterworks, which supplies the surrounding area, was the target of the explosion.

A police spokeswoman said: "At this time the inquiry is very much on going and we can't rule anything out."

However, The Scotsman understands the evidence does not point to the work of terrorists.

Experts say it is possible to link certain explosives to terrorist groups through the materials used and the way they are put together. In particular, they say Islamist groups use home-made materials which are easily available, such as peroxide.

The search of Garadhban Forest was completed yesterday, with tents erected by officers at the crime scene due be taken down last night.

Police have been assisted by counter-terrorism experts from the Metropolitan Police, and there were reports that MI5 had also been called in.

They have been interviewing residents in Gartocharn and neighbouring villages, as well as National Park wardens, asking if they have seen anyone suspicious.

Police have also requested CCTV footage from shops and businesses.

Scottish ministers have been kept regularly updated about the course of the investigation.

Detective Chief Superintendent John Mitchell, of Strathclyde Police, said: "We have had a positive response from the public and I would encourage anyone with any information about this incident to come forward.

"We realise that until we can say for certain what we are dealing with, there will be a natural tendency for people to speculate," he said.

"Speculating only causes unnecessary alarm.

"The important thing to remember is that the site is secure, poses no danger to the public and that a major investigation is under way to identify whoever is responsible for this criminal act.

"The investigation, as you are aware, includes assistance from experts from across the UK, who are involved in examining the materials that have been found."

He added: "I would stress that Strathclyde Police has not declared this to be a terrorist incident. We will not be forced into making any such pronouncement until we have investigated all possibilities.

"We have a dedicated team determined to bring this matter to a conclusion at the earliest opportunity."

The explosion, which felled a tree, was heard by a walker who called the police.

It took place 300 to 400 yards from Ross Priory, a 19th-century function venue owned by Strathclyde University. The operation was scaled back on Monday.