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Cul-de-sac blast hung stepped up

12/ 5/2005

THESE are the shocking results of the explosion that ripped through two cars in a quiet Glossop cul-de-sac.

Detectives are still hunting for the men responsible for the blasts which rocked The Oaks in Simmondley.

Shards of glass and twisted metal shattered the bedroom windows of a couple's house as their four-year-old son lay sleeping. Police say it was a miracle no one was killed or injured.

Both vehicles - a Toyota 4x4 and a Volkswagen Passat - were destroyed.

The scale of the explosion tore the door off the four-wheeled drive with such force, it landed six gardens away. Detectives say both devices - which they believe were industrial fireworks - were placed inside the vehicles by someone using cutting equipment to remove side windows.

The 35-year-old victim said: "It was a reckless, cowardly attack. I am appealing to anyone who knows anything, if you have a conscience, go to the police. My four-year-old son could have been killed."

His partner said she had no idea why they have been targeted: "We are just a normal family. It's frightening and we don't even feel safe in our own home now."

Police are keen to trace three men in a silver or green Vauxhall Astra seen leaving the scene with no lights. Detective sergeant Sean McElheron, of Derbyshire CID, said: "It is miraculous nobody was killed or maimed. We have a big team on this but need help to catch those responsible."

Anyone with information about the incident which occurred at 2.15am on 3 May is asked to call police on 0845 1233333.