Detectives from the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command have arrested two men in connection with an explosion in Sidcup that damaged an Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) camera and surrounding property.
The arrests took place on Monday, Dec. 18, and the Counter Terrorism Command, renowned for its expertise in incidents involving explosives, is leading the investigation.
A 60-year-old man from Sidcup, which falls under the expanded ULEZ catchment area in Greater London, was arrested at approximately 6:10 a.m. on suspicion of conspiracy to cause an explosion likely to endanger life or property.
Simultaneously, a 61-year-old man in Horsham was arrested at approximately 6:15 a.m. on suspicion of conspiracy to cause an explosion likely to endanger life or property, and criminal damage.
Both individuals are currently in custody at a south London police station, and searches are underway at two addresses in Sidcup and Horsham.
Detective Chief Superintendent Trevor Lawry, commander for the Bexley area, emphasised the severity of the incident, stating, “The explosion could easily have had far more harmful consequences, and today’s arrests highlight just how seriously the Met is treating the incident.”
Mayoral Candidate Condemns Attack
Howard Cox, Reform UK’s candidate for the upcoming London mayoral race and founder of FairFuel UK, a motorists’ group with 1.7 million members, has strongly condemned the recent explosive attack.
The incident, which involved a low-sophistication improvised explosive device, prompted Mr. Cox to express his disapproval of criminal acts while emphasising his opposition to ULEZ and criticising Sadiq Khan’s management of London.
Speaking to The Epoch Times by text, Mr. Cox stated, “Damaging these cameras with explosives is an escalation that’s gone way too far. I support and share, however, their total opposition to ULEZ and am massively against the purely money-grabbing Sadiq Khan’s ignorant, inept management of our once proud capital city. But I do not condone any criminal act whatsoever.”
In terms of air quality, Mr. Cox highlighted London’s current ranking as the 14th cleanest city among over 112 capital cities, according to research by IQAir.com.
Looking ahead to the mayoral race in 2024, Mr. Cox also pledged to scrap the entire ULEZ system if elected, aiming to revitalise and restore prosperity to the capital.
He added, “In terms of air quality, London is now the 14th cleanest city of over 112 capital cities … I will scrap all of ULEZ when I am elected mayor in 2024. Let’s get London moving and prosperous again.”
The explosion occurred on Willersley Avenue, Sidcup, on Dec. 6, where a ULEZ camera, installed earlier that day, was damaged by a low-sophistication improvised explosive device.
The arrests represent a significant development in the investigation, but the Counter Terrorism Command continues to appeal to the public for any information that could assist in the case.
In particular, individuals who drove or cycled on Willersley Avenue between 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 6 are urged to share any camera footage they may have with the investigation team.
ULEZ Camera Crimes Pass 1000
The news comes after crimes related to theft or damage of ULEZ cameras in London surpassed 1,000 cases by the end of November, according to the latest official statistics from the London Metropolitan Police, seen by The Epoch Times earlier this month.In a period spanning April 1 to Nov. 30, the Met recorded 1,095 crimes linked to ULEZ cameras.
These offences included 252 reports of camera thefts and 843 instances of camera damage.
Last week, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham announced the scrapping of plans to implement Clean Air Zone charges in the region, which would have mimicked the controversial ULEZ in London.
Some have speculated that concerns over public backlash to Sadiq Khan’s scheme in London prompted the about-turn, with the official reason citing concerns that a Clean Air Zone charging scheme might not adequately meet the 2026 pollution reduction target and could unfairly burden residents and businesses.
