Man, 20, charged with terrorism offences after ‘Asda bomb hoax’ and ‘fires at ice rink and activity centre’
A MAN has been charged with terrorism offences after a string of alleged arson and bomb hoaxes.
Ilyas Akhtar is accused of preparing acts of terrorism, possessing information useful to terrorists, carrying out two arson attacks, and causing a bomb hoax.
The 20-year-old of Cress Road, was charged on Friday after an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing South East.
The incidents unfolded in Slough, Berkshire, last month.
A terrifying blaze broke out at Salt Hill Activity Centre on May 31.
And another inferno was sparked at the popular Slough Ice Arena on Montem Lane on May 14.
Meanwhile, the bomb hoax charge relates to a scare at the Asda supermarket on Telford Drive on May 9.
Akhtar remains in custody and is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday.
Detective Superintendent Andy Penrith, of Thames Valley Police, said: “We understand that these charges for terrorism offences will be concerning to our communities in Slough.
“I want to reassure all our residents that Thames Valley Police is working closely with our communities and partners in Slough as well as our colleagues in counter-terrorism.”
He added that patrols would be increased in the area and urged anyone with concerns to speak to officers or police community support officers.
“Due to the ongoing court proceedings, our officers and staff won’t be able to provide any further details on this specific case, but we will be there to listen and support our communities,” he added.
This comes after an unrelated bomb scare sparked fear at an Asda shop earlier today.
A spokesperson for the chain told The Sun that the store in Bootle, Merseyside, was closed for around an hour at 11am this morning.
It has now reopened as usual, Asda said.
The store descended into mayhem this morning, with some customers left “crying and screaming”.
Shoppers and staff were forced to evacuate after rumours of a “bomb threat”.
But police confirmed it was a false alarm – and it was just a man with a charging cable.
Posts online said: “Apparently someone is in there with some sort of explosive” while others claimed it was a “machete”.
Another said on X: “A bomb scare at the Bootle Asda is one way to start me Friday.”
A Facebook post read: “Just been evacuated from Asda Bootle, everyone [is] running out screaming [and] crying.
“Have to say one of the scariest things that’s ever happened to me.
“They’re saying [there is] a bomb in there. Everyone stay away from Asda Bootle.”
Merseyside Police said: “We were called just after 10am today, Friday 6 June, to a report of suspicious behaviour at Asda on Strand Road in Bootle.
“It was reported that a man was holding an item which turned out to be a charging cable.
“Officers attended and enquiries established it was a false call with good intent. Officers have now left the scene.”