Bomb blast at Liverpool Women’s declared terror incident as fourth person arrested

The bomb blast at Liverpool Women’s Hospital yesterday has been declared a terror incident.

The news was confirmed at a press conference earlier today with ACC Russ Jackson from Counter Terrorism Police North West and Merseyside Chief Constable Serena Kennedy.

They revealed a fourth person, a 20-year-old man, had been arrested in the Kensington area – taking the total number of arrests now to four – and all have been detained under the Section 41 Terrorism Act.

ACC Jackson revealed it was now understood that shortly before 11am yesterday a taxi driver picked up a man from the Rutland Avenue area of the city and who asked to be taken to Liverpool Women’s Hospital.

As the taxi arrived, a bomb explosion went off but the taxi driver managed to escape.

He said bomb was brought into the cab by the passenger, who it is assumed made the IED, and whose identity the police now believe they know but it has not been confirmed.

There have been and are ongoing searches of Rutland Avenue including at a second house at which significant items have been found.

The motivation for the explosion is not yet known, but because of the timing of the incidents shortly before events of Remembrance were to be held in the city, that was ‘a line of enquiry’.

Chief Constable Serena Kennedy urged people not to speculate and said that while there was no cause for concern, she has increased on-ground police presence in the city to reassure people.

She asked people not to speculate on social media but praised the city for its united response: “The people of Liverpool and Merseyside are well known for supporting each other and at times like this this is needed more than ever.”

She said Merseyside Police were continuing to work with counter terrorist officers and MI5 as investigations continue.

Read the Chief Constable’s full statement here:

“I completely understand that communities in Merseyside may be concerned and I can reassure you that my officers are out on the ground and providing high visibility reassurance.

“There is no specific threat to the area, but I have asked for patrols to be increased across Merseyside.

“Incidents such as this are very rare, but I would ask people to remain calm, but be vigilant and alert.

“There has also been a lot of speculation on social media and false reports of further incidents, for that reason I would urge members of the public to rely on the official information which will released on our Twitter feed @MerseyPolice and the Merseyside Police website for information, or @GMPolice or the Greater Manchester Police website.

“The people of Liverpool and Merseyside are well known for supporting each other and at a time like this this is needed more than ever.

“Officers from Counter Terrorism Policing North West are leading the investigation, supported by detectives and uniformed officers from Merseyside Police, and we are continuing to work with our partners at Merseyside Fire and Rescue and the Liverpool Women’s Hospital to establish what has taken place.

“Merseyside Police will continue to liaise with community groups, community leaders, partner agencies and individuals in the coming days and weeks to make sure any concerns are addressed and ensuring that we provide the best possible service to local people.

“It is also important that people do not speculate about what has happened. We will endeavour to update our communities as soon as we are able.

“I would continue to advise people to be vigilant and if they have any concerns to contact police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.”