Two men have been arrested in connection with an explosion in Sidcup that damaged an Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) camera and surrounding property. The Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command made the arrests and is now leading the investigation. A 60-year-old man from Sidcup and a 61-year-old man from Horsham were taken into custody on suspicion of conspiracy to cause an explosion likely to endanger life or property and criminal damage. Both individuals are currently in custody, and searches are underway at two addresses in Sidcup and Horsham. Detective Chief Superintendent Trevor Lawry, commander for the Bexley area, emphasized the severity of the incident, stating that the explosion could easily have had far more harmful consequences.
Howard Cox, a mayoral candidate for the upcoming London race and a vehement opponent of the ULEZ policy, has strongly condemned the recent explosive attack. He expressed his disapproval of criminal acts while emphasizing his opposition to ULEZ and criticizing Sadiq Khan’s management of London. In a text to The Epoch Times, Mr. Cox stated that he does not condone any criminal act and highlighted London’s ranking as the 14th cleanest city among over 112 capital cities. He also pledged to scrap the entire ULEZ system if elected, aiming to revitalize and restore prosperity to the capital. The news followed after crimes related to theft or damage of ULEZ cameras in London surpassed 1,000 cases.
The arrests represent a significant development in the investigation, and 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. The explosion occurred on Willersley Avenue, Sidcup, on Dec. 6, and the arrest of the two individuals is a major step in the case.
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. This move has prompted speculation around concerns over public backlash to Sadiq Khan’s scheme in London.