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A major bomb-making probe sparked after a child was seriously injured by an explosive device has rocked Plymouth today.

Police and Royal Navy experts besieged Whitleigh in the hunt for vital clues surrounding an investigation sparked after a 12-year-old boy was rushed into Derriford Hospital late last night.

The day's investigation has resulted in the arrests of two males - aged 16 and 64 - and the recovery of explosive devices from a number of properties around the Whitleigh estate.

What prompted the investigation?

It all began late last night - Monday, September 23 - when cops received reports that a suspected home-made explosive device had seriously injured a child.

The stricken boy was rushed to Derriford Hospital after the alarm was raised at 9.30pm.

The situation prompted authorities to immediately open a case in an effort to find out exactly what happened.

Police, with the help of the Royal Navy's Explosive Ordnance Disposal team, then went on to seize a 'number' of other explosives in locations nearby.

Those were then taken away and blown up in a wooded area near the Whitleigh estate.

Tuesday - the police and navy search for bomb-making clues

(Image: Penny Cross)

Residents on Plymouth's Whitleigh estate say officers then began piling in as early as 6am this morning in the hunt for answers.

But it wasn't until early afternoon that progress in the investigation began to ramp up.

Police, joined again by Royal Navy bomb disposal colleagues, swooped on a property in Lewes Gardens, where a number of items were taken away for examination.

Whilst a number of other searches were also reportedly happening nearby at other properties, where other items were also rounded up.

Firefighters and a specialist forensic setup also led the bomb operation.

Whitleigh locals placed on alert

(Image: Plymouth Live photographer)

It didn't take long for readers to react.

One eyewitness confirmed the presence of two police vans, a smaller police vehicle, a bomb disposal car and four to five officers who were conducting enquiries.

But she said it was unclear what exactly they were doing as local suspicion mounted in Whitleigh.

Another neighbour said he'd been told by a local police had been nearby all day on the search for vital evidence.

Around the same time, police confirmed they had arrested a man in connection with the discovery of explosive devices and that he had been taken into Charles Cross police station's custody suite for questioning.

Although further details were not provided at that time.

But a police source sought to reassure the public that the matter was 'not terrorism linked in any way' and that there has been no risk to the public at any time.

But anyone with concerns or information were advised to ring 101.

Evening garage raids in Plymouth

(Image: Miles O'Leary)

By 6pm, the authorities had shifted their attentions to Taunton Avenue, where garages near the back of homes were broken into.

One lady wrote: "Does anyone know what is happening in Whitleigh right now?

"As there are police fire brigade forensic behind my friends flat."

Another local took photos on her phone as firefighters and police descended on land at the back of her home and began rifling through garage units.

The woman said: "They've broken into two garages and police are currently inside garages searching for things in connection with the man they've arrested.

"Plymouth Community Homes helped break into the garages and have left, only police and navy are currently there atm."

Police then blew wide open more of the facts and allegations surrounding the case that had been steadily building momentum over the past 24 hours.

Details of latest arrests made public

(Image: Plymouth Live photographer)

A Devon and Cornwall Police statement confirmed the 12-year-old boy injured in a explosive device incident remained in hospital.

It was also made public that a 16-year-old boy from Plymouth had been arrested on suspicion of possession of an explosive with intent to endanger life.

A 64-year-old man from Plymouth had also been arrested on suspicion of making/possessing explosive with intent to endanger life. They both remain in police custody at this time.

Searches in Whitleigh will continue

A force spokesperson said: "Following an incident last night, a number of searches have taken place in the area of Lewes Gardens today and a cordon remains in place.

"Searches are expected to remain ongoing over the next two to three days in relation to this matter.

"I’m keen to provide reassurance that there is no risk to the public and that there is no evidence to suggest that the incident is linked to terrorism.”