Blackheath drama: Boy, 15, appears in court charged over fire at Sainsbury's
A boy has appeared in court charged with making explosives after armed police locked down a Sainsbury's supermarket following a fire.
Hundreds of people were evacuated from the store in Blackheath on Saturday as the drama unfolded.
Armed officers swarmed on Sainsbury's as customers were told to leave their shopping and get out at around 12.10pm.
An alarm rang out while shoppers said they heard a loud bang coming from the toilets as panicked customers tried to get out as fast as they could.
An offender was spotted running from the supermarket, in Halesowen Street, with a knife moments later.
A boy, aged 15, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was charged and remanded into custody.
He faces a count of possession of a bladed article and two further charges of making an explosive substance and maliciously causing an explosive substance to endanger life.
He appeared before Walsall Magistrates' Court today. He will be brought before Wolverhampton Magistrates' Court on Wednesday.
West Midlands Police moved to reassure residents in the wake of the drama, coming at a time of heightened security following the Manchester attacks.
A force spokeswoman said no members of the public were hurt during the incident.
Road closures have now been lifted in the area.
