Convert 'targeted because of vulnerability'

An Islam convert in custody in connection with an explosion in Exeter city centre could have been targeted because of his vulnerability, a neighbour has said.

Nicky Reilly, 22, was arrested at the scene after a blast at the Giraffe restaurant in the recently opened £230m showpiece Princesshay shopping centre yesterday.

Police said Reilly suffered serious but not life-threatening injuries in the explosion, which caused the evacuation of the city centre for several hours.

A device he had on him partially exploded while another found in the vicinity of the restaurant did not.

Devon and Cornwall Police Deputy Chief Constable Tony Melville said investigations have indicated that Reilly, who has a history of mental illness, had adopted the Islamic faith.

"We believe that, despite his weak and vulnerable state, he was preyed upon, radicalised and taken advantage of," he said.

Police are continuing to search the first-floor flat in King Street, Plymouth, where Reilly lives with his mother Kim, and from where he travelled to Exeter by bus yesterday.

Scott Allen, 19, who lives in the flat below, said Reilly could have come into contact with groups of what he believed were Muslims who gathered in the area. He said they had been around for a couple of years "in increasing numbers".

He said there is sympathy in the local community for Reilly, and added: "I would say they picked on him because of his vulnerability.

"He had always been a follower and had always wanted friends," said Mr Allen.