A 15-year-old boy has been arrested following reports of an explosion at public toilets in Bideford Quay, North Devon. Police were called to the council-owned toilet block at around 4.40pm on September 17 after reports of an explosion that caused structural damage.
Investigation and closure
An investigation has been launched by Devon and Cornwall Police, who are working with Torridge District Council. The toilets remain closed to the public until they are safe to use.
The force believes the explosion "was caused deliberately using aerosols and some flammable materials". The teenager was arrested on suspicion of causing an explosion likely to endanger life or injure property and has been released on police bail pending further enquiries.
Appeal for information
Police have appealed for anyone who witnessed the incident, or who was in the area immediately before or after it occurred, to come forward. They also want to hear from anyone driving along Bideford Quay at the time who may have relevant dashcam footage.
In a statement, the force said: "Officers investigating an explosion within the public toilet block at Bideford Quay are reaching out to the public for information. Police were called at approximately 4:40pm on Thursday 17 September following reports of the explosion within the council-owned public toilets which caused structural and internal damage.
"It is believed the explosion was caused deliberately using aerosols and some flammable materials. We are working closely with our partners at Torridge District Council, who have advised that the toilets will remain closed to the public until they have been made safe.
"A 15-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of causing an explosion likely to endanger life/injure property. He has been released on police bail pending further enquiries. Investigating officers would like to thank everyone who has assisted the investigation so far.
"They would like to further appeal to anyone who witnessed the incident, or who was in the area immediately before or after it occurred, to contact us. We would also like to hear from anyone who was driving along Bideford Quay at the time and may have relevant dashcam footage. Anybody with information is asked to contact 101 or visit our website quoting 50260249993."
