A fire at the DHL Express warehouse in Midpoint Way in Minworth, Sutton Coldfield is being investigated by the Met's counter-terrorism unit with fears of 'Russian spy' links (Image: Google)

Arrests over parcels with camouflaged explosives after 'bomb fire' at city DHL warehouse

by · Birmingham Live

Four people were arrested over a plot reportedly involving "Russian spies" after a fire at a DHL warehouse in Birmingham. Parcels "containing camouflaged explosives” were allegedly sent via courier companies to countries including the UK, Polish authorities said.

Counter-terror police were reportedly investigating whether 'Russian spies' planted a bomb in a parcel which caught fire at the site in Minworth, Sutton Coldfield, on July 22. Poland’s National Prosecutor’s Office said the arrests related to the sending of parcels “which spontaneously ignited or detonated during land and air transport” to EU countries and the UK.

Katarzyna Calow-Jaszewska, prosecuting, said the group’s goal was allegedly “to test the transfer channel for such parcels, which were ultimately to be sent to the United States of America and Canada". The package – said to contain an incendiary device – was believed to have arrived at the DHL warehouse by air but further details about the plane and its flight path were unknown.

READ MORE: Counter-terrorism police investigate fire at Birmingham DHL warehouse over 'Russian spy' claims

Last night Counter-Terrorism Policing said the arrests reported by the Polish authorities were not carried out as part of its investigation. Ms Calow-Jaszewska said: “During the proceedings, four people involved in the activities of the revealed sabotage and diversion group of an international nature were detained, charges were announced, and then temporarily arrested.”

In a statement on October 25, Ms Calow-Jaszewska added: “The group’s activities consisted of sabotage and diversion related to sending parcels containing camouflaged explosives and dangerous materials via courier companies to European Union countries and Great Britain, which spontaneously ignited or detonated during land and air transport.

“The group’s goal was also to test the transfer channel for such parcels, which were ultimately to be sent to the United States of America and Canada.”

Stay up to date with the very latest from your Birmingham or West Midlands street or neighbourhood with our Birmingham News Email Updates