Telford explosion: Postbox at centre of bomb squad drama replaced

Twenty people were asked to leave their homes after two blasts were heard on November 30.

The postbox at Sinclair Gardens in Ketley, Telford, suffered severe damage with the door blown about 15 yards from due to an explosive.

Letters and packages posted by customers were left strewn on the ground.

Val Bodden, spokeswoman for Royal Mail, said: "The postbox has been replaced at the same location. It is taped up because we are waiting for a time plate to be fitted. This will be fitted as soon as possible and the box will then be ready for use."

• MORE: Police looking for BMW seen shortly before the blast

• MORE: Bomb squad on scene as Telford street cordoned off by police after post box 'explosion'

The explosive ordnance disposal unit was called out to examine the damaged postbox after what police described as a "small explosion". The incident is being linked to another crime where fireworks were set off in a wheelie bin nearby.

Police investigators found powder residue, consistent with fireworks in the bin, which exploded in Red Lees off Waterloo Road shortly before the post box was blown up. Officers diverted traffic and pedestrians away from the scene and people were urged to avoid the area and find an alternative route.

Councillor Amrik Jhawar, ward member for Ketley and Oakengates, said: "We are still waiting to hear from the police to get back to us about what this was about. I live close by and this area area suffered a lot of disruption to a lot of people in the aftermath.

"And some householders had to leave their homes for several hours. Fortunately no-one got hurt."

Courtney Edmunds, 19, of Waterloo Road, whose home was evacuated welcomed the return of a post box at the site.

"We didn't expect it to be replaced so soon," Miss Edmunds said.

West Mercia Police said officer were looking for information about a grey series 3 BMW believed to be left hand drive that was seen in the vicinity shortly before the blasts.

The car has been described as being more than 10 years old and was seen being driven in the direction of Waterloo Road in the direction of Ketley Business Park.