Double explosion in Rome by packed post office – bomb found hidden between two cars

A car has been badly damaged in the incident, which occured on Via Marmorata, in the centre of the city.

Reports suggest the damage was caused by a parcel bomb, although this is yet to be confirmed by authorities.

Police have confirmed two blasts at the same scene – one larger than the other – although only one device was found.

According to reports in Il Giornale, the blasts were likely to have been the result of two rudimentary homemade bombs filled with flammable liquid.

Local media claims the explosive device was placed between vehicles in the post office car park.

The explosions occurred near the side entrance of a post office in the Aventino neighbourhood.

Television footage showed police officers and firefighters at the scene, and police tape blocking off part of the street.

Police, bomb squads and sniffer dogs are at the scene, and the area remains cordoned off.

Information service Luceverde, run by the Italian Automobile Club in collaboration with city police, said on Twitter that ‘technical checks’ were being carried out near the post office.

The post office was open at the time, with reports suggesting a high volume of customers and clerks present.

The prosecutor of Rome has opened an investigation into the incident, and security services have started examining CCTV footage from the vicinity in order to collect information.

Source: Express