http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/6252276.stm BBC NEWS Car bomb found in central London Police have disabled a car bomb containing gas cylinders in the heart of central London. Officers carried out a controlled explosion after reports of a suspicious vehicle parked in Haymarket shortly before 0200 BST (0100 GMT). The area was cordoned off while police examined what they described as a "potentially viable explosive device". Prime Minister Gordon Brown said Britain faces "a serious and continuous threat". He added the public "need to be alert" at all times. The government's emergency unit Cobra has called a meeting to be chaired by the new Home Secretary Jacqui Smith. The BBC's Andy Tighe said the timing was significant coming a day after Gordon Brown became prime minister, and with the second anniversary of the 7 July bombings approaching. A witness reported seeing gas canisters being removed from the car, believed to be a silver Mercedes, at around 0400 BST (0300 GMT). Bouncers from a nearby nightclub said they saw the car being driven erratically before it crashed into a bin. They said the driver then got out and ran off. Police sources have confirmed that gas canisters were involved in the incident, close to Piccadilly Circus. But Scotland Yard has refused to comment on reports that a large number of nails were found in the car. One police source said the bomb was a "big device" and posed a real and substantial threat to the area around Haymarket, which is in London's theatreland. Dozens of forensic officers were today poring over the scene, which was covered by a blue plastic police tent. Scotland Yard said detectives from Counter Terrorism Command were investigating the potential bomb plot and will be checking the CCTV in the area. Police are believed to have also carried out a search of other key areas in the capital shortly after the discovery of the car. A spokesman said: "Police were called to reports of a suspicious vehicle parked in Haymarket, shortly before 2am this morning. "As a precautionary measure the immediate area was cordoned off while the vehicle was examined by explosives officers. TRAVEL DISRUPTIONS Piccadilly Circus tube station closed Haymarket closed between Pall Mall and Piccadilly Circus Buses diversions in the area with delays of more than 45 minutes Heavy traffic around Trafalgar Square and Charing Cross Rd Coventry St, Whitcomb St, Shaftesbury Ave and Cambridge Circus closed "They discovered what appeared to be a potentially viable explosive device. This was made safe." Police say Haymarket is likely to remain closed for some time and severe travel disruption is predicted. Piccadilly Circus Tube station is closed and trains are not stopping, while local bus services are being diverted. The BBC's Daniela Relph, at the scene, said the heart of London was completely closed off and police officers were concentrating on keeping people away. 'No intelligence' Professor Paul Wilkinson, a terrorism expert, said a passer-by had tipped off the police and officers would be concerned they did not have advanced intelligence. Intelligence sources said they were keeping an open mind on who was responsible for the car bomb. "All options, including the Irish, are open at this stage," said the source. It does appear to be a very serious incident Des Browne Defence Secretary John O'Connor, former commander of Scotland Yard's Flying Squad, told BBC News the incident bore all the "hallmarks" of a failed suicide bomb attempt. And it was "lucky" the police had received the tip-off . Defence Secretary Des Browne said: "It does appear to be a very serious incident. "My first reaction to this is, thank God that we have police and explosives experts who can make these devices safe, and the arrangements they appear to have done, and that nobody has been injured." Extra security measures have been put in place at Westminster, MPs and peers have been told. Were you in the area? If you have any information you would like to share with the BBC you can do so using the form below: You can send pictures and video to: yourpics@bbc.co.uk or to send via MMS please dial 61124 . Do not endanger yourself or others, take any unnecessary risks or infringe any laws. Name: Email address: Town and Country: Phone number (optional): Comments: Story from BBC NEWS: http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/uk_news/6252276.stm Published: 2007/06/29 08:53:12 GMT © BBC MMVII
nobody is talking about this?? Sounds like they found a second car armed with explosives, but neither detonated.
yeah they did find a second one. pretty wild stuff. But if it doesnt involve bush bashing no one cares (sorry, i'll stop tempting them) apparently they were targeting the night club and theatre crowd
When I was young I lived in Athens and the island of cos for about a year and a half then in London for about 6 months then back to Houston and then back to London for another year and a half. Anyway when we lived in London the cops didn't even carry guns, things were so relaxed and then I was back there last year and things were crazy different I mean officers with guns, camera's everywhere etc. etc.
The UK has a very large contingent of foreign nationals living there, particularly those from their former colonies etc. If it is proven to be Muslim extremists again, then the UK needs to really crack down on whatever mosque is teaching this crap. DD
scary thing is that the bombers are still walking free around London This has to be a horrible time to live in London, I know you have a greater chance of dying in a car wreck blah blah blah, but I would be mighty nervous riding on a bus or train over there standing next to an arab that is wearing a backback or carrying a briefcase I feel bad for normal muslims who are going to be harassed to no end
i was there last December. east London is filled with Muslims. It's like you're visiting two different countries...i'm sure it's nearly impossible for British intelligence tell the good from the bad...
