0h 11min, jul 27, 2026 y - Man Charged with Arson over IEDs

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Alex Hilbourne, aged 51, of Russell Street, Reading, has been charged with one count of arson with intent to endanger life and two counts of possessing an item with intent to destroy or damage property.

Hilbourne is scheduled to appear at Reading Magistrates Court this morning (Monday, July 27).

The charges against him relate to an incident on Saturday, July 25, where emergency services rushed to cordon off parts of the town centre after discovering 'suspicious packages'.

Thames Valley Police said they were "made aware" of the first package outside The Botanist bar on King Street/Market Place at around 6pm.

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