Posted on 03/18/2003 10:57:38 PM PST by bob808
Three men have been arrested under anti-terrorism laws, after two "home-made bombs" were discovered at a flat in Sussex.
The men, who police say are European in origin, were taken into custody on Tuesday after the discovery at Langley Green in Crawley, not far from Gatwick Airport.
Sussex Police said that the arrests were made under the Terrorism Act 2000 after two "viable improvised explosive devices" were found during a routine inquiry.
Inspector Geoff Sharnock said: "They are effectively home-made bombs.
"Three men have been arrested. One was arrested elsewhere and two were arrested at the flat."
Inspector Sharnock refused to say where the third man was arrested but added: "They are all European men. Bomb disposal experts have gone into the premises to make sure the devices were safe."
Evacuated
Detective Chief Inspector Tony O'Donnell said: "At this stage the search of the address is continuing and it's too early to speculate on the motive behind this incident.
"It has not, at this stage, been linked to any target or specific organisation."
A police cordon was put up near the flat and more than a dozen police officers were guarding the property, located above an engraving shop.
It is understood a small number of local residents were evacuated from their homes when the search began.
The entire parade of shops, which included a bookmakers and a mini-supermarket, was within the police cordon.
Police would not comment on whether the arrest operation was connected to the airport.
Under the Terrorism Act 2000, suspects can be questioned for up to a week without charge, with the permission of magistrates.
Why do you think the BBC is so vague about the nationality of the suspects? Hmmm, could these be bin-Laden's Bosnian/Albanian sympathizers?
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