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Bomb probe continues with eye on device sophistication

'At least we have a starting point with that vehicle. That gives you the point to begin with and we’ll go from there,' says Barrie police official

City police say there will likely not be an update issued today in connection to an ongoing bomb investigation on Anne Street in Barrie.

Emergency crews were called to a parking lot at 108A Anne St., N., near the bridge over Highway 400, shortly before 3 a.m., on Wednesday, Sept. 27. An improvised explosive device (IED) had been placed around the gas-cap area of a white SUV.

When asked about the sophistication of the IED that was used, Barrie police communications co-ordinator Peter Leon told BarrieToday “that will be something that will form part of the investigation.”

Leon said Ontario Provincial Police's Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) unit and the Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRNE) response team were on scene assisting with the investigation. He said they have the training and expertise in analyzing that kind of evidence.

Another option available to investigators is to use the services of the Centre of Forensic Sciences in Toronto, if need be, he added.

The centre conducts “scientific investigations in cases involving injury or death in unusual circumstances and in crimes against persons or property,” as described on their website. They utilize specialized forensic examination and analysis.

“They’ll turn every corner they have to to bring this to a conclusion that we will all be satisfied with,” Leon said. 

“At least we have a starting point with that vehicle. That gives you the point to begin with and we’ll go from there," he added. 

No arrests have been announced and no serious injuries were reported. 

The investigation continues.

Click here to see a video of the explosives disposal unit detonating what is believed to be a fragment of the initial device.