How to resolve AdBlock issue? Lincolnshire Police Staff member charged with making explosive substance and importing banned weapons
A woman who works for the Lincolnshire police force has been charged with making an explosive substance and importing banned weapons. Zoe Watts was arrested on Sunday, October 4 after police and an Army bomb team attended an address, leading to other houses in the street being evacuated.
She is 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. Watts, who served as a PCSO with the Bracebridge Lowfields Neighbourhood Policing Team, and is a serving member of Lincolnshire Police staff, has been suspended while criminal proceedings and an investigation takes place.
Police said a number of weapons were recovered along with chemicals of a potentially explosive nature.
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.
"Please be mindful that as a person has now been charged with offences, this is 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.
“I fully understand that people will wish to be kept informed and we will continue to release as much detail as we can, as soon as we can."