A "SUSPICIOUS" fire at a DHL warehouse near Birmingham is being investigated by Counter Terrorism Police in the UK as a potential “test run” for a Russian bomb attack.
A DHL warehouse in Minworth was set alight on July 22 earlier this year after a package that was transported by air caught fire.
The package was reported to have contained an incendiary device which Counter Terrorism Police are investigating as a possible bomb planted by Russian spies.
In an investigation, Counter Terrorism Police have said is not linked to their own, Polish authorities have arrested four people over “parcels containing camouflaged explosives” that were allegedly sent via couriers to countries including the UK.
Poland’s National Prosecutor’s Office said the arrests related to the sending of parcels “which spontaneously ignited or detonated during land and air transport” to EU countries and the UK.
Prosecutor Katarzyna Calow-Jaszewska said the group’s goal was allegedly “to test the transfer channel for such parcels, which were ultimately to be sent to the United States of America and Canada”.
She said four people believed to have been involved with an international group were detained, charged and temporarily arrested.
In a statement on October 25, Ms Calow-Jaszewska added: “The group’s activities consisted of sabotage and diversion related to sending parcels containing camouflaged explosives and dangerous materials via courier companies to European Union countries and Great Britain, which spontaneously ignited or detonated during land and air transport.
“The group’s goal was also to test the transfer channel for such parcels, which were ultimately to be sent to the United States of America and Canada.”
When asked about their own investigation, a Counter Terrorism Policing spokesperson said: "We can confirm that officers from Counter Terrorism Policing are investigating an incident at a commercial premises in Midpoint Way, Minworth.
"On Monday, 22 July, a package at the location caught alight. It was dealt with by staff and the local fire brigade at the time and there were no reports of any injuries or significant damage caused.
"Due to the circumstances, and the specialist capability and expertise in investigating such matters, the investigation is being led by officers from the Met's Counter Terrorism Command with support from colleagues from Counter Terrorism Policing West Midlands.
"The investigation remains ongoing and there have been no arrests in our investigation at this time.
“As part of our enquiries, officers are liaising with other European law enforcement partners to identify whether this may or may not be connected to any other similar-type incidents across Europe.”
The Counter Terrorism Police have said that as always, if anyone if concerned about any suspicious package or item, they should report it to police immediately.
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