Reward to catch speed trap bomber

The explosion sent shards of metal flying 50 feet

A £2,000 reward has been offered after a bomb destroyed a speed camera.

Northamptonshire Police are also looking at whether the incident is linked to similar attacks on cameras across the country.

Police are offering the reward after the camera on the A605 at Thrapston, which cost about £20,000, was "severely damaged" by an explosion.

The blast sent shards of metal flying more than 50 feet.

'Stupid act'

The damage was discovered by police at about 2225 GMT on 1 February.

Detective Constable Alison Farr, from Kettering CID, said: "We are treating this crime extremely seriously.

"This was an unbelievably irresponsible and stupid act.

"The force of the explosion forced metal right across the road and had someone been driving past at this time, the occupants would have been seriously injured or killed and we could have been looking at a murder inquiry.

"The safety camera is just up the road from a layby where lorries park overnight.

"It is likely that the offender or offender may have parked their vehicle in this layby.

"We are offering a £2,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or people who are responsible for this.

Information appeal

"Anyone who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area or anyone with any information, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, is asked to contact us."

Experts from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team have examined the site and taken away items for further examination.

The criminal damage is believed to have occurred sometime between midnight on 31 January 31 and 2225 GMT on 1 February.

The A605 camera was immediately replaced to ensure safety on this road.

Anyone with any information about this crime is asked to call DC Farr at Kettering CID on 01536 411411.