A man has been charged following the discovery of three suspicious items in central Reading on Saturday evening that prompted cordons and the attendance of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit.
Charges and court appearance
Police confirmed that 51-year-old Alex Hilbourne, of Russell Street, Reading, faces two counts of possessing an item with intent to destroy or damage property and one count of arson with intent. He is due to appear at Reading Magistrates' Court this morning at 10:00.
Where and when the items were found
The three items were located at separate sites within the town centre over the course of the evening. Officers sealed off areas as a precaution while specialist officers removed the objects safely.
| Location | Approximate time |
|---|---|
| The Botanist, King Street | About 18:00 |
| McDonald's, Friar Street | About 21:00 |
| The Hope Tap (Wetherspoons), Friar Street | About 22:30 |
Police reassurance and public appeal
“I would like to thank the local community for their support and cooperation while our officers and staff have been in the area carrying out vital police work to establish the circumstances of what happened. I would like to reassure the public that we are not looking for anyone else in relation to this incident and do not believe there to be a wider threat.”
The comment, issued by Chief Superintendent Felicity Parker, emphasised that investigators do not consider there to be any broader risk to the public and thanked residents for their cooperation while inquiries were underway.
What residents should do
Thames Valley Police has asked anyone with information to contact officers, giving the incident reference 43260341242. Information can be supplied online or by phoning 101. Alternatively, people can pass details anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
- Three suspicious packages were located in Reading town centre on Saturday evening.
- A 51-year-old local man has been charged with arson with intent and two counts of possessing something with intent to damage or destroy property.
- Specialist explosive ordnance officers attended and removed the items; police say there is no ongoing wider threat.
The arrests, subsequent charging and EOD involvement underline the seriousness with which police treated the incidents. Local businesses and passers-by were affected by temporary closures while officers secured scenes and carried out examinations. The case will proceed through the magistrates' court today.
