|
Fishergate Shopping
Centre, Preston, Bomb Alert
A 27 year old, male has been
arrested by Lancashire Police, on Friday, 18 December 2015, in connection to
the incendiary device that went off in the Fishergate Shopping Centre,
Preston. Shoppers had to be evacuated from the Fishergate Shopping Centre,
and surrounding area, after a member of the public found it. Thankfully,
when the "crude" device ignited in bin, in the men's toilets,
on Thursday, 17 December 2015, it did not cause any real damage and no
injuries have been reported. Lancashire Police have added that they believe
that if the incendiary device had ignited fully, it could have caused:-
"damage or injury." The remains of the device were then recovered by
Army Bomb Disposal and analysed. At the time we were told that:- "it
appeared to have been a very crude improvised incendiary device, that was
probably home made."
Witnesses started posting images from the scene on Twitter, immediately
after the evacuation, as well as on other social media platforms, leading to
more confusion and a sense of panic across the web. But we are told by
several shop staff and members of the public that the evacuation didn't
course any real panic and people were more annoyed that they had disruption
to their shopping plans. What do you think about the impact of social media
over this incident? We were also got by some locals that people in and
around the City are now very worried. Do you work in Preston or live in
Preston and feel worried? Please email us to:-
News24@SouthportReporter.Com with your views on this and also the
bomb.
The centre and precincts are is now open as usual. While the motivation for
this incident remains unclear at this stage, Lancashire Police spokesman
said that it is still:- "too early to say if there was any terrorism
link to this." We are informed that the 27 year old male was
arrested on suspicion of:- "committing arson with intent to endanger
life." he is reported to have been apprehended at an address within
the City.
The police investigation continues and Lancashire Police added:- "We
would like to thank everyone for their continued support and co-operation
through the incident itself and on social media channels."
When publishing this report the latest information we have is that the
arrested man remains in custody as the investigation continues.
Anyone with information should contact Lancashire Police on:- 101, quoting
log number:- '293 of Thursday, 17 December 2015', or Crimestoppers on:- 0800
555 11.
|
