Bukit Timah church volunteer said he discovered suspicious item, but held on to it
A 26-year-old man has been arrested after he said he discovered a suspicious item at St Joseph’s Church along Upper Bukit Timah Road.
However, the church volunteer then “immobilised himself” and held on to the suspicious item, said the Singapore Police Force (SPF) in an update on Sunday (21 Dec) afternoon.
Source: Singapore Police Force on Facebook
Bukit Timah church volunteer says he discovered item in drain
SPF received a call for assistance at about 7.10am on Sunday, regarding the suspicious item.
When officers arrived, the man said he had discovered the item in a drain within the church premises, SPF said, adding:
Thereafter, he immobilised himself and held on to the suspicious item.
Source: Singapore Police Force on Facebook
No explosive elements present in item
As the item resembled an improvised explosive device, thorough checks were conducted.
But at about 10.40am, it was assessed to be three cardboard rolls and wires taped with black tape, with no explosive elements present.
Source: Singapore Police Force on Facebook
It was then removed from the scene.
In a Facebook post later that evening, Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam said someone had “tried to create the impression” that the item was an explosive device.
Volunteer arrested under anti-terrorism measures
The volunteer was subsequently arrested under Regulation 8(2)(a) of the United Nations (Anti-terrorism Measures) Regulations for his suspected involvement in the incident.
According to Singapore Statutes Online, the regulation states that no person in Singapore shall place any article in any place with the intention of “inducing… a false belief” that it is like to “explode or ignite” and cause injury or damage.
Source: Singapore Statutes Online
Police investigations are ongoing.
Church premises evacuated for public safety
The incident led to the authorities evacuating the church premises for public safety.
SPF also activated the Singapore Armed Forces’ Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Explosive Defence Group to conduct further assessment.
Source: Singapore Police Force on Facebook
Following the assessment of the item, police operations concluded and the cordon at the location was lifted at about 5.15pm.
No injuries were reported.
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Featured image adapted from Singapore Police Force on Facebook.
