RAF Scampton: Suspected petrol bomb found outside base, say police

The suspected petrol bomb was found outside the external fence, say police

A suspected petrol bomb, described by police as "intact", has been found near the former RAF Scampton site.

It was found near the perimeter fence on Tuesday and debris thought to be linked to it was discovered on Thursday, Lincolnshire Police said.

Supt Lee Pache said: "We are giving this the attention it needs."

The Home Office plans to house up to 2,000 asylum seekers at the site but said claims that it would open on Monday were "inaccurate".

Lincolnshire Police said it was "liaising with the Home Office which owns and operates the site as part of our investigation".

Mr Pache said: "Our enquiries into how it [the device] got there and who is responsible continue, and I would ask anyone with information to come forward by calling 101.

"We recognise that this will be concerning to the local community, and want to assure you that we are giving this the attention it needs, and our officers will be on patrol in the area over the weekend."

The government's plan to convert the former home of the Red Arrows and wartime Dambusters squadron into an asylum camp have been met with stiff opposition from local residents as well as West Lindsey District Council.

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Lincolnshire Police was liaising with the Home Office as part of its investigation, Mr Pache added.