London Haymarket Car Bomb Update
Following this morning’s earlier News Item concerning the discovery of an explosive device in London’s Haymarket area, a fresh new set of data concerning its possible impact is now in the public domain. According to Police sources, the car bomb, had it exploded, would have been responsible for “carnage”.
Although previous details were sketchy, it is now known that the silver Mercedes, in which the bomb was located, was initially spotted by an ambulance crew. It was noticeable as smoke was emanating from it. In terms of location, it was parked in close proximity to the popular ‘Tiger Tiger’ nightclub. Bouncers in the area have reported seeing the Mercedes being driven in sporadic style; subsequently crashing into a bin. According to them, its driver then rapidly abandoned the scene.
It is understood that the origin of the car bomb could be linked to so-called “international elements”, although further information is not yet known. Sources within the intelligence sector have confirmed that they are keeping an open mind in respect of the bomb’s source.
Significant comment has now been made by a number of prominent figures. One of these, the head of Scotland Yard’s counter-terrorism command, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Peter Clarke, has described the potential effects of the bomb’s detonation. He stated: "It is obvious that if the device had detonated there could have been significant injury or loss of life."
Britain’s new Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, has within the last few minutes made a statement concerning this morning’s events. In this, he identified how our nation faces “a serious and continuous threat”; adding that the public consistently “need to be alert”.
The content of Mr Brown’s speech was mirrored by Jacqui Smith, the new Home Secretary within the Prime Minister’s revitalised government. Ms Smith was chairing an ad-hoc meeting with members of Cobra, the government’s emergency unit.
Since August last year, the present threat of terrorism has been maintained at a severe level; in other words, relating to a high chance of an attack.
One final comment, for now, comes from John O’Connor, who was previously the commander of Scotland Yard. Speaking to the BBC, Mr O’Connor said that this morning’s event was in the mould of a classic failed attempt at exploding a suicide bomb. He added by describing the discovery of the vehicle, and the subsequent and rapid police tip-off, as “lucky”.
According to one reporter, study of CCTV footage is now paramount in identifying the source of today’s failed attack.
Source - Security International Newsdesk
Recent related News Item:
