Controlled explosion (FOI Ref: 111A/25)
Request
I’d like as much information available to the public regarding a controlled explosion carried out at Bentley west playing fields on the 15th of January. A house was raided on Pugh crescent where items were taken from the house I assume that’s where the device was taken from. However, a helicopter was also landed adjacent to the county bridge primary school on an old filled in canal path where supposedly more items were taken from bushes. I’d like to know any available information in relation to These events please as no official statement has been made. There has been nothing in the press regarding the incident and my children attend that very school.
Response
Please find enclosed our response.
Our Communications Department released the following statement on 17th Jan.
We’ve arrested a 58-year-old man on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon after we executed a warrant at an address on Pugh Crescent, Walsall, on Wed morning (15 Jan).
He was taken into custody and has been bailed while our enquiries continue.
The Army’s EOD team carried out a small controlled explosion nearby with neighbouring properties evacuated as a precaution.
We have officers in the area today to offer reassurance but we believe there is no risk to the community.