A man who threatened to set off a bomb outside Burnham-On-Sea police station and kill five police officers was arrested in the town on Friday evening (September 10th).
Police said a middle-aged man was arrested outside the police station after allegedly being found holding a bottle containing a clear liquid with a smouldering wick inside.
Inspector Roger Tolley, pictured below, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “It could have been very serious, several people in the area have been frightened, but fortunately no-one was injured.”
“It all started when the man handed a BB gun to two PCSOs in the centre of Burnham, saying he wanted to hand it in.”
“But a short time later, he contacted police and claimed the gun had been taken from him and he threatened to kill five police officers unless it was handed back to him.”
“He asked several people for directions to the police station and also asked local residents how he could gain access to the building.”
Inspector Tolley added: “He rang the telephone outside Burnham police station and when an officer came to the door, he was found to be holding a bottle with a smouldering wick inside. The clear liquid was later found not to be petrol, but alcohol.”
Armed police officers were on their way to the scene, but were stood down when the man was overpowered and arrested.
The man, who lives in Burnham, has been charged with attempted arson with intent to endanger life. He was remanded in custody.
