Police to visit car blast school

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Police hunting the culprits behind an explosion in a teacher's car are to visit the scene of the blast to speak to pupils, parents and staff.

Officers want to provide reassurance and talk to potential witnesses at Runnymede St Edward's School in West Derby, Liverpool, on Monday morning.

A home-made device exploded in a car in the school car park on Friday, minutes before pupils left for the day.

Detectives said it was lucky no-one was killed or seriously injured.

The interior of the silver Nissan Micra, which belonged to a teacher at the school, was extensively damaged and the windows were smashed.

Officers will be at the school before it opens on Monday to speak to people as they arrive, and will be trying to establish if anyone saw anything suspicious before the blast at 1450 BST.

This was a reckless attack on a school grounds and we are determined to catch those responsible Supt Ian Pilling

During the day officers will also be meeting with teachers and parents to talk about the incident and the ongoing investigation.

Supt Ian Pilling, of Merseyside Police, said: "This was a despicable and dangerous act, fortunately no-one was injured. We need help from members of the public to bring the offenders to justice.

"The area around the school would have been very busy and we are appealing to anyone who may have seen anything suspicious to contact the police immediately.

"The incident happened shortly before the children were due to leave school and this could have resulted in serious injury, or possibly fatality.

"This was a reckless attack on a school grounds and we are determined to catch those responsible."

Men wanted

Extensive searches have taken place at the scene and house-to-house inquiries are ongoing.

Detectives are also examining CCTV footage from the area and are yet to establish a motive for the attack.

Merseyside Police said two men were seen in the area at the time of the blast and want to speak to them.

One of the men was white, stocky, about 5ft 10ins tall and aged between 40 and 50 with light-coloured or ginger hair.

Officers do not yet have a description of the second man.