Blast debris found near Wolverhampton mosque

Police questioning two Ukrainian men under anti-terror laws have found the site of an explosion near a mosque.

West Midlands police said the “seat of an explosion and debris” were discovered late last night on a roundabout near Wolverhampton’s central mosque.

The find was made following yesterday’s arrest of two men in Small Heath, Birmingham, in connection with blasts close to mosques in Walsall and Tipton.

The men, aged 25 and 22, are being questioned on suspicion of being involved in the commission, preparation or instigation of an act of terrorism.

Debris declared safe

A police spokesman confirmed that last night’s discovery was made on the Fiveways traffic island by officers and army bomb disposal experts as they searched land around the Wolverhampton mosque.

“The debris, found on Fiveways roundabout, has been declared safe and further detailed forensic inquiries will be conducted at the scene throughout the day,” the spokesman said.

“Nothing was found at the mosque itself which has now been reopened for worship.

“The searches were initiated following the arrest of two men in Small Heath yesterday who are suspected of involvement in explosions near mosques in Walsall and Tipton.

“Officers remain at the mosque and patrols in the area have been increased to reassure members of the public concerned by events.”

Walsall and Tipton mosque blasts

Yesterday’s arrests came less than 24 hours after police issued CCTV images of a man they urgently wished to trace in connection with the investigation.

One of the men was arrested in Talbot Way, Small Heath, after being spotted by officers in the area, while the second was taken into custody at a property nearby.

It is thought the blast in Wolverhampton occurred on June 28 – before last Friday’s explosion in Tipton and seven days after a device detonated near a mosque in the Caldmore area of Walsall. No one was injured in any of the explosions.

West Midlands Police Assistant Chief Constable Marcus Beale, who is leading the investigation, said: “The investigation is being led by specialist officers and staff from our counter-terrorism unit who are being supported by a range of departments from across the force.

“We recognise the impact news of the latest find will have on the communities of Wolverhampton and further afield. We’re working hard to complete our inquiries so that the area can be returned to normality.”

Site where two men arrested in connection to West Midlands mosque bombings. Police continue searches #c4news pic.twitter.com/SIVAD4H7X1

— Fatima Manji (@fatimamanji) July 19, 2013

‘Puff of smoke’

Asst Chief Constable Beale said officers believe the device exploded on the Fiveways roundabout at around 9.15am, just after rush hour, having been put there that morning or the previous night.

He confirmed the force had received reports of a “loud bang” and a “puff of smoke” around that time and that a normal response officer had been sent to the scene.

“Now, as a result of intelligence following the arrest of two men in Birmingham yesterday, we have carried out a detailed forensic search of the Wolverhampton scene,” he added.

“We have discovered it was the scene of an explosion that took place on June 28.”

He said officers were regarding the incident as part of a wider terrorist investigation into explosions at two other mosques in recent weeks but added: “I have no information to suggest that there are further threats to mosques in our region.”

Police would not confirm reports today that the two men are foreign university students who were working at a software firm in Small Heath.

However bomb disposal officers and members of West Midlands counter terrorism unit were continuing to search the premises of Delcam today.

Community concerns

Iftikhar Ahmed, representing Wolverhampton central mosque, which reopened for prayers today, said there were anxieties in the area but they would be allayed.

He said: “Of course there are concerns in the community but we have faith in the police and intelligence services that the incidents are being dealt with.

“They already have two suspects in custody and for our community today it is work as normal.”