A 51-year-old man has been charged in connection with three suspicious packages found in Reading town centre.
Alex Hilbourne, of Russell Street, Reading, has been charged with two counts of possessing anything with intent to destroy or damage property and one count of arson with intent.
The charges relate to incidents on Saturday evening, when suspicious packages were found at three locations in the town centre.
Police said one package was found outside The Botanist on King Street at about 18:00.
A second was discovered outside McDonald’s on Friar Street at about 21:00, while a third was found outside The Hope Tap Wetherspoons, also on Friar Street, at about 22:30.
Police cordoned off the areas and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit attended as a precaution. The objects were safely removed.
Hilbourne is due to appear at Reading Magistrates’ Court at 10:00 today.
Chief Superintendent Felicity Parker, Berkshire West commander, said: “I would like to thank the local community for their support and cooperation while our officers and staff have been in the area carrying out vital police work to establish the circumstances of what happened.
“I would like to reassure the public that we are not looking for anyone else in relation to this incident and do not believe there to be a wider threat.”
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation should report it online or call 101, quoting reference 43260341242.
Information can also be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
