Anti-terrorist experts believe a cache of bombs buried in a wood near Witney could have been put together by a former soldier, writes Tim Hughes.

Eight DIY shrapnel bombs were uncovered in the grounds of Eynsham Park, Freeland, over the weekend, sparking fears of a major new bombing campaign.

Officers from Scotland Yard's Anti-Terrorist Branch are still baffled as to who buried the bombs, which are among the most sophisticated ever found in Britain. Officers are refusing to speculate as to which organisation was responsible. The devices, which were found in a copse by a man walking his dog, were packed into clear plastic mineral water bottles and contained about 3kg of new brass nuts.

Some were fitted with complex anti-handling mechanisms, calculated to kill or maim anyone who tried to pick one up.

All were made safe by an Army bomb disposal team from Didcot and are now being examined at a forensic laboratory in Kent.

Det Supt John Donlon, of Thames Valley Police, said the devices had been made by a master bomb-maker. He said: "They were put together by someone intelligent possibly with previous experience." He added: "Different groups have different members at different times, and maybe one has new members who are more sophisticated at bomb-making than in the past."

He praised the bravery of those who took part in the 48-hour operation to uncover and defuse the bombs. He said: "It was an extremely dangerous situation and the Army did an excellent job. It was unusual to find devices so sophisticated, which had been put together with such finesse. When anyone comes on to a job like this their life is at risk. Det Supt Donlon added: "The response from the public has been very good and we are following up leads about suspicious vehicles and people."

An incident room has been set up at Cowley police station. Thames Valley Police are keen to contact any retailer who has recently sold at least 21kg of new brass nuts.

Anyone with information should call 01865 335252 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.