Cops seize explosives and radioactive material from garden shed as they quiz ‘far-right extremist’
TERROR cops in hazmat suits with Geiger counters have seized “dirty bomb” chemical explosives and radioactive material from a garden shed.
A suspected right-wing extremist in his 30s was also arrested in a swoop on the semi-detached village property.
Incendiary explosive devices and radioactive material are said to have been found along with Nazi memorabilia and other extremist material.
However, investigators stressed they had not found plans for a bomb attack or a target.
Local police initially raided the Bedfordshire house where the suspect lives with his parents on Bank Holiday Monday.
The immediate area was evacuated, a bomb disposal unit attended and a controlled explosion was later carried out in a nearby field.
The man — described as a loner with Asperger’s Syndrome — was arrested on suspicion of possession of an item of use to a terrorist.
He was released on bail while police in hazmat suits continued to carry out searches of the property.
The suspect was re-arrested on Tuesday “following the discovery of further suspicious substances”.
Bedfordshire Police said: “We can confirm we are working with SO15, the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command, which has taken over the investigation.”
The suspect has been taken for questioning in London.
Police officers also took away computer devices and are investigating his background.
His mother told villagers he had collected chemicals as a hobby.
One said: “They are a nice family and his mother put something on the village Facebook page about him collecting chemicals.
“Apparently the son kept everything in the garden shed and she knew nothing about any of it. She was adamant it was nothing to do with terrorism and stressed the police were just being cautious.
“The woman is very worried about her son and hoping he comes home soon.”
Neighbours of the man said he was a loner who would rarely go outside and often wore a grey hoodie to cover his face.
One told The Sun: “He kept himself to himself. He was very quiet and spent a lot of time at home.”
Yesterday, ambulances and police cars were still at the scene.
Specialist contractors were also spotted removing items.
Cops held a community meeting and revealed their enquiries at the address were chemical-related.
But one villager said: “People are worried. There’s a lot of elderly people and very little in the way of crime. Nothing like it has ever happened here before.”