Toronto man charged in connection with G20 bomb plot

AFP - A 37-year-old Toronto man was charged on Wednesday with possession of explosives alleged to be part of a plot to bomb a G20 summit being held this week in the Canadian city, police said.

In a statement, the Integrated Security Unit (ISU) responsible for summit security said Byron Sonne, 37, was arrested after a raid on a home in midtown Toronto, several kilometers (miles) from the June 26-27 summit site.

"The investigation is ongoing as part of the Toronto Police Service's efforts to ensure a safe and secure G20 Summit," said a statement. "There is no risk to public safety and this time."

ISU spokesman Sergeant Tim Burrows told AFP the charges -- intimidation, threat against the justice system, possession of explosives and dangerous weapons, and mischief -- are "very serious."

"We had information that linked this to the G20 and G8," Burrows said.

Local media said more than 50 officers were involved in the raid on the million-dollar Toronto home midday Tuesday. Officers continued to search the home on Wednesday, said Burrows.

The suspect was to appear in court Wednesday morning.