23/05/2008
Police Search Flat After Restaurant Blast
Police are searching a flat in connection with an explosion at an Exeter shopping mall yesterday.
A 22-year-old man, named as Nicky Reilly was detained at Devon and Cornwall Police station after a device detonated at the Giraffe restaurant.
The incident happened at around 1pm yesterday when a man walked into the family eatery.
Armed officers have raided a flat in King Street, Plymouth, connected to the suspect.
It is understood that Mr Reilly, who has a history of mental illness, has converted to Islam.
Leading the investigation, Deputy Chief Constable Tony Melville said at a news conference that the suspect appeared be "vulnerable" and that he had been "preyed upon".
"We believe that despite his weak and vulnerable state he was preyed upon, radicalised and even taken advantage of," he said.
Mr Reilly who is under police guard is being treated for lacerations to his eye and facial burning at hospital.
Witnesses said that a male had entered a toilet in the restaurant shortly before an explosion was heard.
The Princesshay shopping complex and adjacent businesses were evacuated yesterday as investigations got underway.
Royal Navy bomb disposal teams, including a specialised vehicle, arrived on the scene shortly after the blast.
It is reported that no one else was injured, despite the incident happening at a peak time.
Reports also say that a second explosive device was found outside the restaurant but was made safe by bomb disposal experts.
Police have released an picture of Mr Reilly and are wishing to speak to anyone who may have information.
It is understood Mr Reilly travelled by bus to Exeter from Plymouth.
Princesshay is open to the public although the Giraffe restaurant remains sectioned off by metal barriers.
Police have set up a hotline for any member of the public who has concerns about the incident - the number is 0800 056 1864.
(DS)
A 22-year-old man, named as Nicky Reilly was detained at Devon and Cornwall Police station after a device detonated at the Giraffe restaurant.
The incident happened at around 1pm yesterday when a man walked into the family eatery.
Armed officers have raided a flat in King Street, Plymouth, connected to the suspect.
It is understood that Mr Reilly, who has a history of mental illness, has converted to Islam.
Leading the investigation, Deputy Chief Constable Tony Melville said at a news conference that the suspect appeared be "vulnerable" and that he had been "preyed upon".
"We believe that despite his weak and vulnerable state he was preyed upon, radicalised and even taken advantage of," he said.
Mr Reilly who is under police guard is being treated for lacerations to his eye and facial burning at hospital.
Witnesses said that a male had entered a toilet in the restaurant shortly before an explosion was heard.
The Princesshay shopping complex and adjacent businesses were evacuated yesterday as investigations got underway.
Royal Navy bomb disposal teams, including a specialised vehicle, arrived on the scene shortly after the blast.
It is reported that no one else was injured, despite the incident happening at a peak time.
Reports also say that a second explosive device was found outside the restaurant but was made safe by bomb disposal experts.
Police have released an picture of Mr Reilly and are wishing to speak to anyone who may have information.
It is understood Mr Reilly travelled by bus to Exeter from Plymouth.
Princesshay is open to the public although the Giraffe restaurant remains sectioned off by metal barriers.
Police have set up a hotline for any member of the public who has concerns about the incident - the number is 0800 056 1864.
(DS)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 June 2008
Exeter Blast Man In Court
A man charged in connection with an explosion at an Exeter shopping mall has appeared in court. Nicky Reilly, 22, of Plymouth, appeared at the Old Bailey via video link from Belmarsh Prison under the name Mohamed Saeed-Alim. Mr Reilly has been charged with three offences in connection with the incident at Giraffe restaurant on May 22.
Exeter Blast Man In Court
A man charged in connection with an explosion at an Exeter shopping mall has appeared in court. Nicky Reilly, 22, of Plymouth, appeared at the Old Bailey via video link from Belmarsh Prison under the name Mohamed Saeed-Alim. Mr Reilly has been charged with three offences in connection with the incident at Giraffe restaurant on May 22.
12 November 2014
Release Of Police Killer Described As 'Sickening'
The release of a man convicted of killing three unarmed police officers in 1966 has been described as "sickening". Harry Roberts, now aged 78, has been released from prison after serving 48 years for 1966 murders of three unarmed police officers in Shepherd's Bush in west London.
Release Of Police Killer Described As 'Sickening'
The release of a man convicted of killing three unarmed police officers in 1966 has been described as "sickening". Harry Roberts, now aged 78, has been released from prison after serving 48 years for 1966 murders of three unarmed police officers in Shepherd's Bush in west London.
29 August 2014
Major Police Hunt Launched After Boy Taken From Hospital
A major police hunt has begun after a five-year-old boy with a brain tumour, was taken by his family without consent from Southampton General Hospital. Police said that Ashya King was taken from the hospital by Brett King, 51, and Naghemeh King, 45, on Thursday. It is thought he may have been taken to France.
Major Police Hunt Launched After Boy Taken From Hospital
A major police hunt has begun after a five-year-old boy with a brain tumour, was taken by his family without consent from Southampton General Hospital. Police said that Ashya King was taken from the hospital by Brett King, 51, and Naghemeh King, 45, on Thursday. It is thought he may have been taken to France.
07 May 2014
'Skull Cracker' In Custody In London
Kent Police, in partnership with officers from the Metropolitan Police Service, have arrested two men in East London on suspicion of conspiracy to commit armed robbery. On 3 May, Kent Police began a search for Michael Wheatley, 55, who had failed to return to HMP Standford Hill after being released on temporary licence.
'Skull Cracker' In Custody In London
Kent Police, in partnership with officers from the Metropolitan Police Service, have arrested two men in East London on suspicion of conspiracy to commit armed robbery. On 3 May, Kent Police began a search for Michael Wheatley, 55, who had failed to return to HMP Standford Hill after being released on temporary licence.
11 June 2013
Riot Police Deployed As G8 Protesters Occupy Former Police Station
Some 100 riot police have been deployed in central London as protestors take to the streets to demonstrate ahead on the G8 summit being held in Northern Ireland next week. Officers were sent to Soho, where protesters are thought to have occupied a former police station on Beak Street.
Riot Police Deployed As G8 Protesters Occupy Former Police Station
Some 100 riot police have been deployed in central London as protestors take to the streets to demonstrate ahead on the G8 summit being held in Northern Ireland next week. Officers were sent to Soho, where protesters are thought to have occupied a former police station on Beak Street.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.