Police staff member charged after weapons and ‘potentially explosive chemicals’ found in house
A Lincolnshire Police member of staff has been charged with making an explosive substance and importing prohibited weapons.
The force said Zoe Watts was arrested on Sunday (October 4) after a number of weapons and “chemicals of a potentially explosive nature” were recovered from a property in St Helen’s Avenue.
The 34-year-old appeared at Lincoln Magistrates’ Court today (October 7) charged with one count of importing prohibited weapons with intent to evade a prohibition or restriction and one count of making an explosive substance for an unlawful purpose. She was remanded in custody and will reappear before Lincoln magistrates on Friday.
Lincolnshire Police said Watts has been suspended while criminal proceedings and an investigation take place.
Searches at the property in St Helen’s Avenue, Lincoln, have been ongoing since Sunday and Lincolnshire Police anticipates these will continue over the next couple of days.
Assistant Chief Constable Kerrin Wilson said: “We know that this is an unusual and worrying incident which will concern our communities.
“We within Lincolnshire Police share these feelings and although this relates to someone who works for the force, we will investigate this meticulously without fear or favour.
“Since the initial incident on Sunday our number one priority has been the safety of the public, and I’d like to thank local residents for their understanding while our searches at the property continue – it really is appreciated.”
Ms Wilson also reminded the public that as a person has now been charged with offences, this was “an active investigation, which means that engaging in rumour and speculation – especially on any public platforms such as social media – can have a detrimental effect on any potential court proceedings”.
