GATWICK BOMB ALERT: 3 HELD Mar 19 2003
THREE men were last night being quizzed after two home-made bombs were found at a flat near Gatwick airport.
The suspects, European nationals, had been arrested following a raid on the property above an engravers.
They were held under the Terrorism Act. Residents were evacuated as bomb disposal experts moved into the flat at Langley Green, just a mile from the West Sussex airport.
More than a dozen police officers were guarding the home early this morning.
The street it is in was cordoned off.
Inspector Geoff Sharnock of Sussex Police, said: "During a routine inquiry two viable improvised explosive devices were found. They are effectively home-made bombs. Three men have been arrested.
"One was held elsewhere and two were arrested at the flat.
"Bomb disposal experts have gone into the premises to make sure the devices were safe."
Detective Chief Inspector Tony O'Donnell added: "At this stage it's too early to speculate on the motive behind this incident.
"It has not been linked to any target or specific organisation."
Another officer said: "As a result of an incident in Langley Green three Europeans have been taken into custody under the Terrorism Act.
"Police are dealing with the matter in connection with other agencies."
The suspects were being questioned by police and immigration officers.
This is the latest in a series of arrests close to or at Britain's major airports.
Last month a man from Venezuela was accused of smuggling a live hand grenade through customs at Gatwick, which is now patrolled by armed police worried about terror attacks.