The explosion of a ULEZ camera in London has resulted in the commencement of an investigation by UK counter-terrorism officers.
The scene was initially attended by local police before counter-terrorism officers were called to investigate. Despite the presence of the latter, “the incident is not being treated as terrorism,” Met Police says, although it “is being treated as a deliberate act.”
The explosion occurred at around 18:45 on 6 December on Willersley Avenue, according to the Met Police, and the targeted camera had been installed earlier that day. The camera is thought to have been cut down at around 17:15, with the explosion occurring around 90 minutes later.
As well as damaging the camera, the explosion - which is thought to have been caused by an improvised explosive device or IED whose “remains” were recovered at the scene - caused additional damage to “nearby vehicles and a residential property,” the Met says.
Detective Chief Superintendent Trevor Lawry, Commander for the Bexley area said that, although no members of the public were injured in reality, the explosion could “very easily” have “seriously injured” people.
Cable cut on ULEZ camera. - "Cable Cut ULEZ" by Wicksy101 is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
DCS Lawry said: “Thankfully, nobody was injured as a result of this incident, but it is extremely concerning that an explosive device seems to have been deliberately placed in a public place. This could have very easily resulted in members of the public being very seriously injured.
“Because of the seriousness of this incident, we are making urgent enquiries to try and identify anyone involved, and officers with specialist expertise and capability from our Counter Terrorism Command are leading the investigation.
“This was an extremely dangerous incident that could have resulted in innocent members of the public being injured or worse. If you have any information that could assist our investigation, then I would urge you to get in touch immediately.”
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