A BAHRAINI has described how he helped friends create a homemade explosive device in a replica of the former GCC (Pearl) Roundabout and detonated it, injuring several policemen.

The 21-year-old told prosecutors during questioning that he and three others took an hour to make the device out of batteries, wires and petrol before targeting officers in Sitra.

The blast took place near the Sitra Police Station on April 15 when a patrol jeep came across the model and stopped to dismantle it.

Five policemen approached it and two of them tried to remove it, but as soon as they touched it there was an explosion, which caused them to fall to the ground.

However, the Bahraini, who was the only suspect in the dock in connection with the attack, denied the charges at the High Criminal Court yesterday, where he appeared for the first time.

He has been charged with attempted murder, possessing explosives and detonating an explosive device to perform a terrorist act and to spread fear amongst the public.

"My three friends and I made a replica of the Pearl Roundabout and used it in our rallies and demonstrations," read court documents.

"One of my friends then told me he could make homemade explosives that we can instal in the model and use to kill policemen.

"We found an abandoned building where we met and my friend made the explosives, he asked me to get some petrol and batteries to help him out.

"It took him an hour to make the bomb, which we then placed in the model and took it to a roundabout near a bank in Sitra which is beside a police station.

"Policemen then approached it and we saw it explode."

According to case documents, the defendant informed police the name of the other three.

Meanwhile, a 29-year-old officer told prosecutors his right foot was injured during the explosion.

"There were anti-government protesters participating in an illegal gathering in Sitra, we then noticed the replica of the former GCC (Pearl) Roundabout," he added.

"As we approached it we saw a red light and we tried fleeing, but it was too late and the device exploded resulting in an injury to my foot and other injuries to my colleagues." The trial has been adjourned until August 22 to appoint a lawyer for the defendant. noorz@gdn.com.bh