Police disarm explosive device found in Madrid cathedral

Madrid, Spain, Feb 8, 2013 / 16:02 pm

Police officers in Madrid successfully disarmed an explosive device that was discovered in a confessional at the Cathedral of La Almudena on Feb. 7, Europa Press reported.

Officials said the device was rudimentary and contained a small amount of explosive material.

Father Jesus Junquera said that he decided to call the police after finding a suspicious bag in a Cathedral confessional, although he initially had no idea that the bag contained an explosive device.

The priest added that he was stunned by the incident and did not have any clue as to who would have left the device in the church.

"Out of caution, we announced that the Cathedral would be closed," Fr. Junquera explained. "(W)e said it over the sound system, and the people saw that the police came and they left."

Inside the bag was a package containing 200 grams of powder, two pounds of nails and a detonator.

Fr. Junquera said the Cathedral maintains constant communication with local police, which ensured that officers could quickly arrive on the scene to resolve the incident.