An explosion which seriously injured a 14-year-old British army cadet at a Territorial Army centre in London was caused by a bomb disguised as a torch and was deliberately planted, Scotland Yard said today.
The explosion took place at the base in Shepherd's Bush.
The boy is in intensive care in Chelsea and Westminister Hospital after surgery. A hospital spokeswoman said his condition was stable.
Police said the device looking like a small hand-held torch exploded shortly after the cadet picked it up.
Anti-terrorist police sealed off a wide area around the base after the explosion.
No group admitted responsibility for the attack. Police were keeping an open mind.
The Territorial Army is Britain's reserve force, separate from the country's full-time professional army. Most Territorial Army centres have cadet forces attached.
The explosion damaged a door leading into the base. Journalists reported seeing blood on a wall.
PA