Van blast 'not terrorist-related'

Aug 2 2007

A van that exploded killing its driver and injuring five police officers was not terrorism related, police confirmed today.

A white man, thought to be in his 40s, died after he was engulfed in flames at 10pm yesterday when the officers stopped his van which contained gas canisters.

Assistant Chief Constable of Merseyside Police Simon Byrne said: “We are still at an early stage and a number of issues are under investigation so it would be inappropriate to comment on speculation at this time.

“However, we can clearly say this was not, in any way, a terrorist attack.

“I would like to pay tribute to my officers, the paramedics involved and the local community.

“A number of officers were injured, either in the explosion or when trying to help the deceased when he was on fire.

“These officers showed exceptional bravery and our thoughts are with them and their families as they begin their recovery.

“We will make further comment on the incident as out investigations proceed.”

Police said the dead man, who has not yet been formally identified, was followed by patrol cars for seven minutes in a chase at just 30mph.

The driver, who was initially followed from Toxteth in Liverpool after behaving “suspiciously” finally stopped on St James Place, in the Dingle area of the city.

He was first spotted in Marmaduke Street, Edge Hill, just before 10pm yesterday by an officer on routine patrol.

Police said, a constable signalled for the van to pull over and, when the driver carried on his way, gave chase.

When the transit stopped the five officers got out and began to approach when the explosion ripped through the back of the van.

Police could not confirm whether the man was inside the van when the explosion happened.

One officer took the brunt of the explosion.

Three officers remained in hospital tonight while their two colleagues have been discharged.

The van driver was treated at the scene by paramedics and taken to the Royal Liverpool Hospital where he died from his injuries.

A post-mortem examination was due to be held this evening.

Police have refused to speculate on the driver’s actions that led him to be first noticed by the officer or what detonated the explosion.

The incident has already been referred by Merseyside to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

Kath Kane, chair of the Merseyside Police Federation, said: “This is a timely reminder of the risk officers face on a daily basis.

“What started out as a routine night for the officers suddenly escalated into an incident that saw one man lose his life and five police officers injured.”

The investigation into what caused the explosion is being carried out with Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service.