Task of sifting through evidence likely to take time

THE painstaking task of gathering vital forensic evidence from the blast sites and properties sealed off in yesterday’s raids could take at least a week.

Every inch will be scrutinised, dusted and tested for traces which may lead investigators to the bombers.

The police will try to build up a life history of the bomb-maker and those who planted or detonated the explosives last Thursday.

Allan Scott, former head of Crime Scene Investigations at Merseyside Police, said the main aim was to find all traces of explosives.

"With any explosive you are looking for very small fragment pieces of the device you are looking for anything out of the ordinary."

Mr Scott said any timing device could provide vital clues. Everything that can be lifted from the scene and tested will be taken for examination.

"They will be taking quite literally dustbin loads of debris away to the forensic explosive laboratory in Kent and that will be gone over with a fine tooth comb."

Mr Scott worked as a crime scene investigator for 25 years and is now a forensics lecturer.

He said it was likely the bombs were commercial or military devices.

"They will be looking to build a picture of the bomb-maker, as the bomb-maker is probably not the person who planted it. You are not going to risk losing your expert."

At the properties sealed off by police, a search of every section of the houses was likely. Investigators will look for anything that could be used for making bombs.

"They will be taking the house to bits if they think there are explosives in there, they will take everything out," said Mr Scott.