Shropshire Star

Telford post box explosion linked to fireworks set off in wheelie bin

An explosion that blew up a post box in Telford is being linked to another crime where fireworks were set off in a wheelie bin.

Published

Police found powder residue, consistent with fireworks in the bin, which exploded shortly before a post box was blown-up.

The wheelie bin exploded in Red Lees, Ketley, not far from Sinclair Gardens, where a small explosion caused damage to the Royal Mail box.

A 100 metre cordon was put in place and approximately 20 people were evacuated from their homes but were able to return a few hours later.

Sergeant Donna-Louise Hankin said: "At this stage we are unable to confirm the cause of the damage to the post box however we are linking it to an incident in Red Lees where an explosion took place in a wheelie bin.

"The powder residue found in the wheelie bin is consistent with a firework of some description.

"Thankfully nobody was injured and enquiries are now underway to identify the individuals responsible for both incidents, one of which caused a lot of disruption to the local community.

"A distinctive grey BMW three series car was seen in Sinclair Gardens a few minutes before the explosion and we are appealing for any information which could help to trace this vehicle."

The car has been described as grey, over 10 years old and is believed to be left hand drive. It was seen driving away on Waterloo Road in direction of Ketley Business Park.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police using the non-emergency 101 number and quoting the incident reference 323 of November 30.

Sorry, we are not accepting comments on this article.