St Albans man alleged to have stolen WWI and WWII explosives released on bail
Bomb disposal officers set up the controlled explosion - Credit: Archant
A 48 year old St Albans man at the centre of a major investigation into the alleged theft of heritage artefacts and munitions yesterday (Wednesday) has been released on police bail.
The explosion is detonated - Credit: Archant
This follows the launch of a police, Army and English Heritage investigation of an address at Windmill Ave where yesterday items, believed to be First and Second World War artefacts, including hand grenades, mortar shells and ammunition, were seized after the execution of a search warrant.
In a statement released today, a spokesman for Herts Police said: “A 48 year old man was arrested at 8am on suspicion of theft from heritage and protected sites.
“He was further arrested on suspicion of possession of explosives, firearms and ammunition.”
The man has been bailed until November 14.
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Windmill Ave residents who were evacuated from four homes yesterday have now returned, and police will remain at the address where the artefacts were seized throughout today.
St Albans locals have been warned that the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team may carry out further controlled explosions today.
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The police spokesman said: “They will be heard in the local area, and residents need not be alarmed.”
These follow a controlled explosion which took place at about 4pm yesterday, carried out by the bomb squad at Fairfold’s farm in Sandridge.
The Herts Advertiser has no further information on when the explosions are likely to take place as yet.
