To receive breaking news updates directly to your email inbox, sign up for our free real-time news alerts.
.
Register for our complimentary email alerts for breaking news.
Two men have been arrested after an ultra low emission zone (Ulez) camera was blown up the same day it was installed.
Police officers from the Metropolitan Police who specialize in counter-terrorism are currently investigating an incident in which a camera was destroyed using a basic homemade explosive device at approximately 6:45pm on December 6th in Sidcup, located in south-east London.
During the incident, a representative for the Mayor of London described it as “extremely reckless” and the London police force suspected it was a deliberate action.
A man in his sixties from the local area was taken into custody on Monday under suspicion of plotting to cause an explosion that could put lives and property at risk, which goes against section two of the Explosive Substances Act of 1883.
A man, aged 61, was taken into custody in Horsham, West Sussex. He is suspected of being involved in a plot to cause an explosion that could harm people or property, as well as causing criminal damage. This goes against section one of the Criminal Damage Act 1971.
According to Scotland Yard, both individuals are currently being held at a police station in south London and authorities are conducting searches at two locations in Sidcup and Horsham.
Detective Chief Superintendent Trevor Lawry, Commander for the Bexley area, said: “The explosion could easily have had far more harmful consequences and today’s arrests highlight just how seriously the Met is treating the incident.
My local law enforcement is still collaborating with and providing assistance to the Counter Terrorism Command, who are in charge of the investigation because of their expertise in handling cases involving the use of explosives.
After the implementation of the program, there have been multiple cases of theft or damage to Ulez cameras.
According to the authorities, the camera was put in place earlier in the day and was later taken down at approximately 5:30pm. Reports from civilians indicated that an explosion occurred about an hour and a half afterwards.
There were no injuries as a result of the explosion, but there was damage to vehicles and a residential property.
According to data released by the Metropolitan Police in November, there have been almost 1,000 reported incidents of theft or damage involving Ulez cameras in the last seven months.
In August, the Ulez zone was extended to include all 32 boroughs in London. Motorists who do not have a vehicle that meets emission standards will be required to pay a fee of £12.50 when driving in this area.
Following the event, a representative for Mayor Sadiq Khan of London stated, “This incredibly irresponsible behavior jeopardizes both lives and property. The police are conducting a suitable investigation into this hazardous and careless act.”
Source: independent.co.uk
