‘Mother of Satan’ explosive was used in July 7 terror attacks on London

September 16, 2017

The Parsons Green station bomb is suspected of being an explosive which has previously haunted the London transport network, known as the “Mother of Satan”. Witnesses reported seeing a thick, white liquid inside the bucket which had been used to house the Parsons Green bomb. Typically homemade, the device uses the chemical triacetone triperoxide, known as TATP, and has long been a weapon of choice for extremists.

In the July 7 attacks, the substance was employed with deadly effect to massacre passengers on the London Underground. On July 21 2005, TATP was also used during a botched terror attack on the capital, when a series of devices failed to detonate across the public transport network.

Its ominous moniker is earned through being an unstable, dangerous explosive that can be ignited by heat, friction, static or even simple movement.

Former counter-terrorism chief Major General Chip Chapman said the chemical had more recently been used by the Barcelona terror plotters, when it detonated prematurely. The shockwave effect from a full explosion could have been deadly, while the subsequent blast effect could have killed more, Maj Gen Chapman told the BBC.

“It’s quite volatile, it can have a lot of friction and the pre-explosion in Barcelona was caused because of its volatility. Either the chemical mix from TATP, if it was TATP, was wrong or there wasn’t enough boost from a detonator via the timer to make this function properly.”

THE Parsons Green terrorist’s real target could have been major London stations including Paddington and Westminster, according to terror experts. “We have to remember the terrorist is looking for maximum publicity and recognition worldwide. Unless you have been to Parsons Green, or you know someone there or are a Londoner you will not know it. Wimbledon, Notting Hill and Paddington – there are other destinations on that line that would have had much greater impact.”

The tube train would have passed through busy stops including Earl’s Court, High Street Kensington, Notting Hill Gate and Paddington. If the terrorist had changed to a City-bound train at Earl’s Court, the bucket bomb could have also hit Victoria, Westminster and Monument.