Anti-terror police probe explosion near Loch Lomond

Anti-terror police probe explosion near Loch Lomond

www.bbc.co.uk

Anti-terrorism police and bomb disposal units have been called to a wooded area in West Dunbartonshire which is thought to have been damaged in an explosion.

Strathclyde Police were called to reports of an explosion in Garadhban Forest, near Gartocharn, at about 1200 GMT on Wednesday.

The area, to the south east of Loch Lomond, has been sealed off.

(visit the link for the full news article)

Ive been listening to this all afternoon on radio. Strange thing is this is the first Ive found any mention from the MSM and even at that it is sketchy.

Leader of the investigation team was "not ruling anything in or out" at this stage, which he described as "the assessment phase".

I think there is more to come from this incident.

www.bbc.co.uk
(visit the link for the full news article)

Think I beat you too it sorry posted it on the war on terrorism room

reply to post by Pershing1973


Hi no problem, I think it can run on breaking news as well. I searched on the headline before posting.
Respects

Yhea I saw this on Sky news before when I was channel surfing, they mentioned the possibility of a terrorist training area or a device testing...... But bearing this is sky news and terrorist is their standard go to phrase, 'why were you late for work today?' 'terrorist got to the alarm clock boss'.

Pretty remote area tho, no gas mains or power sub stations... Random bolt of lightning? Old WW2 bomb? Gas cylinder on a bonfire? well the last one should be easy enough to rule out by those on the ground.

Is it starting to feel like too much credit is being given to "terrorism" without any bare shred of evidence? Is anyone else sick of the words "terrorism", "terrorist", "terrorists", "TERROR"?! I really wouldn't mind if I never heard any mention of anything vaguely reminiscent of the word.

Who even believes this stuff anymore?

reply to post by captiva



Meteorite?

I seem to remember an explosion in a Siberian Forest in the early 1900's which turned out to be a Meteorite...

But who knows... hopefully we will find out in due course

Probably some kids setting off fireworks,
But the media etc will probably put this down to Al Queadas "tree detonation" squad or something silly.
I notice the met police have sent a team of anti terror cops up there...

It really seems to be getting silly at the moment IMO,but who knows,maybe bin laden has set up home in a scottish forest.

Devices found as anti-terror police investigate explosion near Loch Lomond (Video of Police Press Statement

From the Link:

Devices found as anti-terror police investigate explosion near Loch Lomond

Police were investigating cause of mysterious explosion in forest near Gartocharn.

By John Kilbride

18 November 2010 14:58 GMT

Anti-terror police have discovered several devices as they investigate the source of a mysterious explosion in a forest near Loch Lomond, STV News can reveal.

Sources confirmed a tree was blown up and bomb disposal teams were at the scene.

MoD sources said that Royal Navy's Northern Diving Group, the Navy's equivalent to the bomb disposal squad, were called out on Wednesday to offer support to Strathclyde Police and help them deal with the incident.

The alarm was raised at around 12 noon on Wednesday, when police were called after the sound of an explosion was heard in Garadhban Forest in Gartocharn, a village located to the south east of the loch.

Police confirmed that they discovered damage to the wooded area within the forest that would suggest some sort of explosion had occurred.

Chief Supt Calum Murray, Divisional Commander for Argyll, Bute and West Dunbartonshire, said: "As you would expect, when we are dealing with a situation where we suspect that explosives may be involved, it is our immediate priority to assess the situation and to call on expertise where we think it is appropriate. By its very nature, this type of assessment and investigation is complex and does take time.

"I can confirm that we are currently being assisted by agencies and experts from across the UK. Other forces have also been called in, including the Metropolitan.

"We are still in the assesment phase, and we're working to establish what we're dealing with and what the cause of the explosion was.

"I would stress that the site is secure and that there is no risk to public safety. As the explosion took place in a wooded area, there was no damage to property, and no-one was injured. We do want to minimize disruption to the community, and we thank the public for their patience.

"I would ask that if anyone has seen anything suspicious in or around the area, or has any information - no matter how insignificant it may seem, that they contact the police or Crimestoppers. All calls will, of course, be treated in the strictest of confidence.

"As I am sure you can understand, this is an ongoing investigation that is going to take some time to complete. We will release more information as that investigation progresses."

The forest is located close to Ross Priory, a landmark 19th century building owned by Strathclyde University and used regularly as a venue for weddings and for staff events.

Link


Reports of devices found...and a tree blown up.

They do have military exercises at Loch Lomond at times. Might be connected. Might not.

If they were just kids with fireworks, I would have thought the Police would have just come out and said so by now, and put people's minds at ease.

Just seen it again, got a little slot on the BBC news.

Just the usual, dont know/not revealing what it is but everybody go about your daily business as youre safe and please be patient and let us do our thing.

Fingertip search at Loch Lomond explosion scene

Fingertip search at Loch Lomond explosion scene

Specialist police officers are carrying out a "fingertip search" at the scene of an explosion in a Scottish woodland.

The site in Ross Priory Wood, near Gartocharn, at the south of Loch Lomond, has been closed off since the blast was heard at midday on Wednesday.

It has been reported that devices have been found in the area.

Police have refused to confirm the nature of the incident but anti-terrorism officers and bomb disposal units have been part of the operation.

The latest briefing from Strathclyde Police, which is leading the investigation, said a number of specialist officers were currently searching the scene.

This team includes officers from the Metropolitan Police and scientific and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) trained personnel.

The force said the level of detailed search required was likely to "take some considerable time".

Ch Supt Calum Murray, divisional commander in Argyll, Bute and West Dunbartonshire, said: "The priority yesterday was to make sure that there was no risk to the public or officers in order that initial investigations could take place.
Police helicopter at the scene A police helicopter has been seen flying over the area

"We can assure everyone that this area is secure and there is no risk to anyone living, working in or visiting the area.

"Today we began the painstaking task of searching the area for any evidence. We would like to thank the public for their co-operation and assistance so far in our initial enquiries.

"We would also ask for their continued patience as I am sure they understand that we must follow strict procedures in order that we carry out a thorough investigation."

The investigation is focussing on damage to trees in the woodland area about 300 to 400 yards from Ross Priory, a secluded 19th Century building to the south east of the loch.

Ch Supt Murray previously said the site was "not an expansive area".

Van loads of police officers have been coming and going from the scene and several boxes marked evidence were removed on Friday morning.

A Metropolitan Police helicopter was also seen flying over the area.

Officers are also collecting CCTV footage from local businesses within the general area of the explosion.

Hotel manager Stuart King told the BBC: "I got a phone call from CID asking if I could meet them here as a matter of urgency and that they wanted to access our CCTV system."

Mr King said the officers gave him no details about why they were scrutinising the footage.

He added: "We heard rumours that there had been an explosion and then saw it on the news website."

A Scottish government spokeswoman said: "Strathclyde Police are currently investigating this incident and are keeping ministers informed of their progress - they have reassured us that there is no threat to public safety."

Link (Video)


So "no threat to public safety" yet the police are over this like a rash and have found "devices".

Somebody larking about in the woods, or kids with fireworks?

So what ever became of this then? Did it turn out to be nothing or is it something? Any locals know the status out there?