7 December 2023 17:25 Specialist officers leading investigation into explosion in Sidcup A criminal investigation has been launched by the Metropolitan Police in relation to an explosion that took place in Sidcup last night, in which a ULEZ camera and surrounding property were damaged.

A criminal investigation has been launched by the Metropolitan Police in relation to an explosion that took place in Sidcup last night, in which a ULEZ camera and surrounding property were damaged.

The incident is being treated as a deliberate act, which was caused by what appears to be a low-sophistication improvised explosive device (IED).

At this early stage, the incident is not being treated as terrorism, but officers from the Counter Terrorism Command, which includes those with specialist expertise in explosives, are leading the investigation, working in close liaison with local officers in the area.

Detective Chief Superintendent Trevor Lawry, Commander for the Bexley area 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.”

Anyone with information that could assist with the investigation should call 101 quoting CAD 5819/06DEC.

Local police officers were called to reports of an explosion on Willersley Avenue, Sidcup, at approximately 18.45hrs yesterday, 6 December and officers, along with colleagues from London Fire Brigade attended.

From our investigation so far, it is believed that a ULEZ camera – which had been installed on the road earlier that day – was cut down at around 17:15hrs that afternoon. An explosion occurred around 90 minutes later, at which point police were called.

We are keeping an open mind as to whether or not there is a connection between the camera being cut down and the planting of the explosive device.

The explosion caused further damage to the camera, as well as to some nearby vehicles and a residential property was also damaged. However, no members of the public were injured.

The remains of an IED was recovered by officers and have been sent to a specialist team for urgent forensic examination. Officers are also carrying out extensive CCTV enquiries in and around the area.

At this stage, there have been no arrests made in connection with this incident, and enquiries remain ongoing.

Although this is being treated as an isolated incident, we would also advise anyone who sees suspicious activity or a suspicious device on or nearby to a ULEZ camera should not approach and should contact police immediately by calling 999.