Edgware estate evacuated after bomb scare (From Harrow Times)

Edgware estate evacuated after bomb scare

11:24am Monday 8th February 2010 in

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PART of an Edgware estate was evacuated this morning after suspected explosives were discovered hidden behind bins.

Residents on Berridge Estate, off Buckingham Road, watched as police and bomb disposal experts sealed off the area to investigate reports of a suspected unexploded bomb.

Harrow Council caretakers discovered the suspicious device stashed in a residents' bin room attached to one of the blocks of flats and called the authorities.

It is believed it was a package of explosives used on railway lines, so when a train passes over them a loud explosion warns the driver a set of signals is coming up. These type of explosives are generally not volatile but can become dangerous if left to deteriorate.

Dalbert Stewart was part of the crew of caretakers who made the discovery.

He said: “We were clearing out the bins and litter picking and one of my colleagues said he had found explosives in the bin area.

“I thought he was having a laugh at first, but he said he wasn't and had called the police.

“It was surprising, a bit of excitement for the day.”

Police quickly cleared the explosives from the area after determining it was not a bomb, as initially suspected, and residents were allowed to return to their homes.