Woman charged over series of attempted explosions

A woman has been charged with attempting to cause explosions at a series of public buildings and restaurants.

Martha Goddard, of Earlham in Norwich, is accused over seven incidents between March and September, which allegedly involved targeting two Starbucks and a McDonald's restaurant.

The 49-year-old is also accused of targeting the city's Millennium Library, which is part of the Forum building which also houses the BBC's regional headquarters. A transmission station which broadcasts TV and radio programmes was also attacked.

Ms Goddard is in custody and is next due to appear at the Old Bailey in London in February.

She allegedly targeted the Millennium Library on 24 March, the McDonald's branch in Haymarket on 27 March, the Starbucks in Haymarket on 12 May, the Millennium Library again on 21 May, the Starbucks in St Stephens Street on 25 July and the Tacolneston transmission station, about 10 miles away from Norwich, on 28 and 29 September.

Ms Goddard appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court accused of seven counts of criminal damage on 13 October.

But prosecutors have since charged her with an extra six counts of attempting to cause an explosion with intent to endanger life or property.

Prosecutors say she ignited an "improvised incendiary device with intent to cause, by an explosive substance, namely thermite an explosion of a nature likely to cause serious injury to property" at the various locations.

She is additionally charged with making or keeping an explosive substance with intent to endanger life or property at her home address in Sarah Williman Close.

The investigation was led by the Eastern Regional Special Operations Unit, which is made up of organised crime and anti-terror experts.

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