Two arrests have been made after a ULEZ camera “exploded” in Sidcup, damaging surrounding vehicles.

The arrests were made today (Monday, December 18) by detectives from the Met’s Counter Terrorism command, which is leading the investigation due to its expertise in explosives.

A man, 60, from Sidcup was arrested at 6.10am this morning on suspicion of conspiracy to cause an explosion likely to endanger life or property, contrary to the Explosive Substances Act 1883.

Another man, 61, was arrested in Horsham at around 6.15am this morning, on suspicion of conspiracy to cause an explosion likely to endanger life or property, and criminal damage contrary to section one of the Criminal Damage Act 1971.

Both men remain in custody at a south London police station.

Searches are ongoing at two addresses in Sidcup and Horsham.

The ULEZ camera had been installed earlier that day (December 6) and police believe it was cut down at around 5.15pm.

The explosion took place around 90 minutes later, and police have said it was “caused by a low-sophistication improvised explosive device”.

Police ask that anyone with other information that could assist the investigation share it via the UK police image appeal website or by calling 101 and quoting CAD 5819/06DEC.

The incident happened in Willersley Avenue just before 7.20pm.

Officers, London Ambulance Service, and London Fire Brigade crews were called to the scene.

A ULEZ camera van, car and bus were left damaged as a result of the incident.

One man was treated at the scene by London Ambulance Service crews and no further injuries were reported.

Detective Chief Superintendent Trevor Lawry, Commander for the Bexley area, said: “The explosion could easily have had far more harmful consequences, and today’s arrests highlight just how seriously the Met is treating the incident.

“My local officers are continuing to work with and support the Counter Terrorism Command who are leading the investigation due to their specialism in dealing with incidents involving the use of explosives.”

“Police were called to reports of an explosion on Willersley Avenue, Sidcup, at approximately 18:45hrs on 6 December.

“We believe that a ULEZ camera – which had been installed on the road earlier that day – was cut down at around 17:15hrs that afternoon.

“An explosion occurred around 90 minutes later, caused by a low-sophistication improvised explosive device.

“The arrests today are a significant step forward in this investigation.

“Nevertheless the Counter Terrorism Command is continuing to appeal for the public to share any information that may help the investigation.

“In particular, we are keen that people who drove or cycled on Willersley Avenue between 16:30hrs and 19:30hrs on 6 December share with the investigation team any camera footage they may have.

“Footage can be uploaded at ukpoliceimageappeal.co.uk - please select the incident ‘Explosion in Sidcup’.”

A spokesperson for TfL told the News Shopper: “The Met Police is investigating this matter and at this stage, we understand that they are treating it as a deliberate act.”

Resident Ms Sinclair heard a “bomb-like” explosion, and was inside her house with her two sons, aged three and five, as the incident unfolded.

The mum of two sons said that it was a miracle that no one was “seriously hurt or killed" and her family was lucky to have come out of the house unharmed.

Ms Sinclair, who has lived in Willersey Avenue for two and a half years, said after the explosion erupted it tore through her three-year-old son’s bedroom.

She explained: “Everything is destroyed, my two children would have usually been getting ready at the time the explosion happened.

“Luckily, they were not in there. You don’t think anything is going to happen to your child’s safe space.

“It’s crazy to think.”