11:42pm UK, Thursday May 22, 2008

Police have confirmed the man arrested over an explosion in Exeter was a recent Muslim convert who had been "preyed upon and radicalised".

An armed operation is under way in Plymouth in connection with the blast.

Two devices found in Exeter

Sky's home affairs correspondent Mark White said the situation was "still unfolding" at a residential property.

Devon and Cornwall Police named the arrested man as 22-year-old Nicky Reilly.

The blast happened after he walked into the Giraffe restaurant at the Princesshay Shopping Centre at about 1pm.

Officers said he suffered lacerations to his eye and some facial burning.

Nobody else was injured in the blast which happened when the recently opened shopping centre was crowded with shoppers.

Deputy Chief Constable Tony Melville said: "Our investigation so far indicates Reilly, who has a history of mental illness, had adopted the Islamic faith.

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

He confirmed that armed police had raided an address in King Street, Plymouth, linked to Reilly and were currently searching the premises.

Witnesses earlier told Sky News the explosion in the restaurant appeared to come from the bathroom and when the man came out he had blood all over his face.

Giraffe restaurant director Juliette Joffe said: "Nobody in the restaurant has been injured apart from the person who set it off."

About 15 people would have been working in the restaurant at the time, she said.

:: Anyone with information about Reilly is asked to call the police on 0800 056 1864