A TEENAGE has pleaded guilty to the possession of an explosive substance after a ‘bomb scare’ in High Wycombe.

At Aylesbury Crown Court on Friday (September 8), Jack Coleman, 19, of Amersham Hill, High Wycombe, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of an explosive substance for unlawful purpose.

This was after he was arrested and charged following a bomb scare on March 14 which saw part of Amersham Hill by the High Wycombe Railway Station was closed off by the police and the bomb squad.

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The incident unfolded after a tip-off from a concerned member of the public which led to the large-scale emergency response. 

Trains and buses were delayed and traffic diverted after the area was closed off from early afternoon into the evening while the explosive ordnance unit carried out an investigation.  

Thames Valley Police gained information that Coleman may have had explosive substances in a property in Amersham Hill.

Coleman was later charged with possession of explosives for unlawful purpose, burglary of dwelling and theft with no violence, and possession of knife, blade or sharp object in a public place.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable William Blundell, based at High Wycombe police station, said: “This incident caused significant disruption as emergency services and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit worked to safely avert the danger to the public and the surrounding area.

“Whilst this was ongoing, several members of the public had to be evacuated from their residences, and numerous others were affected by the temporary closure of High Wycombe train station and Amersham Hill.

“The subsequent investigation found that the device had the potential to cause injury to Mr Coleman and others, and damage to property.

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"I am grateful to those that helped to prevent this by alerting the police, and to the public for their co-operation and patience with this matter.”

Coleman will be sentenced on October 23 at the same court.

He is currently being held at HM Bullingdon Prison in Bicester while the court proceedings take place.