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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)
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