Terrorists behind eight bombs found in Oxfordshire earlier this year may have bought parts for the devices from an Oxford shop, writes Emma Henry.

Dozens of brass plumbing parts, the same as those packed into the Freeland bombs, were bought in mid-July from Marston Heating and Plumbing Supplies in Marston Road.

Identical 28mm cap ends were used to make the shrapnel bombs found in the grounds of Eynsham Hall over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

The devices were packed into clear plastic bottles some fitted with complex anti-handling mechanisms calculated to kill or maim anyone who tried to pick them up.

Police said a man went into the Marston store and tried to buy 40 of the brass end caps, which are normally used by plumbers to seal copper pipes. The shop only had 32 in stock, which the man paid 60 in cash for. Police say an extensive search has failed to uncover a legitimate project where so many would be needed.

Det Supt Euan Read, who is leading the inquiry, said: "We have checked out plumbers, builders, furniture makers, colleges, schools, even the Museum of Modern Art in Oxford, to see if these items are being used for some other purpose."

Shop manager David Holliday said: "The size he asked for is not common in domestic plumbing projects, but sometimes people do come in and buy goods like this for school or college projects."

An identical device was found on a stone wall 30 miles away, near the village of Syreford, in Gloucestershire.

The customer was white, about 6ft 2in, in his late 20s, slim and with a muscular build. He had mousy, curly collar-length hair and wore a brown jumper and tracksuit bottoms.

Anyone with information is asked to call the incident room on 01865 335256 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.