Boy, 15, arrested over ‘explosion’ at public toilets in North Devon town

Boy, 15, arrested over ‘explosion’ at public toilets in North Devon town Police investigating an 'explosion' within public toilets at Bideford Quay in North Devon believe it was caused deliberately 'using aerosols and some flammable materials' A 15-year-old boy has been arrested following reports of an "explosion" at public toilets in a seaside town. Police were called to a council-owned toilet block at Bideford Quay in North Devon at around 4.40pm on September 17. The toilets suffered structural damage. An investigation has been launched by police who are working with Torridge District Council. The toilets remain closed to the public until they are safe to use. Devon and Cornwall Police said the force believes the explosion "was caused deliberately using aerosols and some flammable materials". A 15-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of causing an explosion likely to endanger life/injure property. He has been released on police bail pending further enquiries. Police have launched an appeal for anyone who saw the incident to get in touch. The force would also like to speak to people who were in the area before or after, as well as anyone who was driving along Bideford Quay and may have dashcam footage. The statement from the police read: "Officers investigating an explosion within the public toilet block at Bideford Quay are reaching out to the public for information. "Police were called at approximately 4:40pm on Thursday 17 September following reports of the explosion within the council-owned public toilets which caused structural and internal damage. "It is believed the explosion was caused deliberately using aerosols and some flammable materials. We are working closely with our partners at Torridge District Council, who have advised that the toilets will remain closed to the public until they have been made safe. "A 15-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of causing an explosion likely to endanger life/injure property. He has been released on police bail pending further enquiries. Investigating officers would like to thank everyone who has assisted the investigation so far. "They would like to further appeal to anyone who witnessed the incident, or who was in the area immediately before or after it occurred, to contact us. "We would also like to hear from anyone who was driving along Bideford Quay at the time and may have relevant dashcam footage. Anybody with information is asked to contact 101 or visit our website quoting 50260249993."