ULEZ camera explosion Sidcup: Two men arrested by counter terrorism police

Detectives investigating an explosion in Sidcup where a ULEZ camera and surrounding property were damaged have arrested two men.

Both men were arrested by detectives from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command on Monday December 18.

A 60-year old man was arrested in Sidcup on suspicion of conspiracy to cause an explosion likely to endanger life or property, contrary to section two of the Explosive Substances Act 1883.

While a 61-year-old man in Horsham on suspicion of conspiracy to cause an explosion likely to endanger life or property, and criminal damage, contrary to section one of the Criminal Damage Act 1971.

Both men remain in custody at a south London police station and searches are ongoing at two addresses in Sidcup and Horsham.

Met officers and London Fire Brigade were called to reports of an explosion on Willersley Avenue, Sidcup, at approximately 6.45pm on December 6. A ULEZ camera and "surrounding property" were damaged.

The Met says it is believed the camera, which had been installed on the road earlier that day, was cut down at around 5.15pm - 90 minutes before the explosion, which damaged it further.

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 officers are continuing to work with and support the Counter Terrorism Command who are leading the investigation due to their specialism in dealing with incidents involving the use of explosives.”

The Counter Terrorism Command is continuing to appeal for the public to share any information that may help the investigation.

In particular, they are keen that people who drove or cycled on Willersley Avenue between 4.30pm and 7.30pm on December 6 share with the investigation team any camera footage they may have.

Anyone with other information that could assist the investigation is urged to share it via the same website or by calling 101 and quoting CAD 5819/06DEC.