Bomb squad on the scene in Butler Street Pic: Tony Worrall

An Ingol man has been arrested in connection with the device left at the Fishergate Shopping Centre before Christmas.

Preston Police say a 24-year-old man from Ingol is in custody on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.

Advertisements

He was arrested on Tuesday afternoon. Police are continuing to investigate the incident on Thursday 17 December when a crude incendiary device was left in the mens toilets at the shopping centre.

Update: A man has now been charged in connection with the incident

It ‘went off’ and was put out by a shopholder in the centre who smelt burning coming from the toilets. The device did not cause much damage or injuries.

The shopping centre was closed for 24 hours while the bomb squad carried out a search of the building.

DI Jane Webb from Preston CID said: “We have carried out a thorough investigation and as a result of our enquiries, we are satisfied this was an isolated incident with no wider, on-going threat to the public.

“A 24 year old man has been arrested in connection with the incident and we would like to thank the public for their continued support and co-operation at the time of the incident and during our subsequent investigation.”

Earlier this month a 27-year-old Preston man was arrested in connection with the investigation and released on bail until Thursday 28 January.

Police say they do not believe there is a connection between the two men.