Counter-terror team probe Sharnbrook blast which left man with 'life-changing' injuries

Counter-terror teams are examining the circumstances of an explosion in a residential cul-de-sac which left a man - who was later arrested - with life-changing injuries.

Bomb disposal teams and other emergency services have been at the scene at Loring Road in Sharnbrook, near Bedford, since the blast on Monday night.

Three nearby home have been evacuated as searches of the area take place.

A man in his 40s who was seriously injured in the explosion has been arrested on suspicion of offences under the Explosive Substances Act.

He is being treated at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge for his injuries, which police described as "life-changing".

Bedfordshire Police is leading the investigation, with support from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit.

A spokesman added: "Due to the nature of the incident, Counter Terrorism Policing has deployed resources with access to specialist capabilities to help establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident."

Det Supt Will Hodgkinson said: “Incidents of this nature are understandably of great concern to local communities and I wish to thank everyone for their patience, cooperation and understanding.

“This is especially true of those residents who have had to move elsewhere while we carry out our inquiries.

“While our investigation remains at an early stage and we are keeping an open mind, this is believed to be an isolated incident with no risk to the wider public.

“An emergency services presence is likely to remain at the scene for much of the rest of the week, and we’ll continue to progress with our investigation as quickly as we can while we get to the bottom of what has happened.”

Local councillor Doug McMurdo was at the scene, and said: “Three families have been displaced and I am keen to get them home as soon as possible.“I understand the investigation is ongoing. I am not yet aware of the cause.”The police have assured me nobody else is at risk."

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