Man arrested at Heathrow Airport over ‘grenade’ found in boot of car which sparked huge evacuation
A MAN has been arrested at Heathrow Airport three days after reports he had a grenade in the boot of his car.
Merseyside Police initially rushed to Strand Road in Bootle when it was reported a grenade was found in the boot of a Ford Fiesta at around 1.10pm on November 4.
Last night, a 27-year-old man from Bootle was then arrested at Heathrow Airport on suspicion of possession of a firearm without a certificate.
The arrest came three days later and it is understood the man’s car was not present at the airport.
He has been taken to a police station for questioning.
Officers set up a large cordon in the area and several homes and businesses were evacuated as a result on Monday.
The army‘s explosive ordnance disposal unit attended and transported it to a safe location where it was detonated.
The Ford Fiesta was seized and has been forensically examined.
Detective Chief Inspector Phil Atkinson said: “Our investigation continues with this arrest and I’d continue to appeal to anyone with information to come forward at the earliest opportunity.
“This incident could have ended in devastation and understandably caused alarm in the community.
“Tell us what you know and we will do the rest.”
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said at the time: “Fire crews are currently supporting Merseyside Police at an incident on Strand Road, Bootle, with two fire engines in attendance.
“Crews were alerted at 1.36pm and on scene at 1.45pm.
“Fire crews are liaising with police colleagues at an outer cordon- the incident is ongoing.”
Anyone with information on the storage or possession of weapons is urged to contact Merseyside Police via its social media desk @MerPolCC on Twitter or ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook.
You can also pass on information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or their online form.