WARRINGTON has become the centre of an anti-terror investigation following the theft of a cargo of munitions from a freight train at Bank Quay.
Ten packages (one is pictured above) believed to be containing anti-tank mines used by British troops in Afghanistan, were stolen, although seven have since been recovered.
The North West Counter Terrorism Unit (NWCTU) does not believe at this stage that the theft was terror-related.
The Ministry of Defence-owned munitions also do not pose a risk to the public unless they are tampered with.
Three of the packages, each with four separate plastic cases inside, remain outstanding after the other seven were found discarded near a railway line in the Folley Lane area.
The train left Longtown, Cumbria, at 11.30am on Wednesday and arrived at Didcot, Oxfordshire, where they were reported missing the next morning.
Officers are now appealing to anyone who may have seen the outstanding items to contact police.
They are described as being rectangular plastic tubes, approximately 4ft (1.2 metres) in length.
A co-ordinated investigation is being led by the NWCTU and also includes the Metropolitan Police Service, British Transport Police and the MoD.
Assistant Chief Constable Terry Sweeney, from the NWCTU, said: “A number of inquiries are now being made by police officers into this theft and our main priority is to safely recover the missing items.
“At this stage there is nothing to suggest the theft is terrorist-related but due to the potential complexity of the investigation our inquiries are being led by counter terrorism officers.
“We would like to appeal to any members of the public who may know the whereabouts of these items, or any persons involved in the theft of these items, to contact the police immediately.
“I want to make it clear that in their normal condition these munitions are stable and do not pose a risk to the public.
“However, the materials could be hazardous if they were to be tampered with and we therefore ask that anyone who sees them or knows where they are to call the police as soon as possible.”
Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 1027 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Anti-tank mines stolen at Bank Quay!
00 Comments
Share.
About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
