Police said they had defused a time bomb on the roof of Milan´s cathedral and some magistrates feared it could be linked to bitter political feuding in Italy ahead of next year´s national elections, Reuters reported.
Police defused the bomb around noon. There were conflicting reports over whether it had been set to go off at 3 p.m. today or 3 a.m. Tuesday. The bomb, made up of about a kilogram of explosive powder, was packed in a food container wrapped in a sack and placed against one of the thousands of roof spires, Reuters said.
The device was found by a cathedral security guard on one of the roof walkways of the Gothic landmark, one of the industrial city´s main tourist draws. Thousands of visitors climb up to the roof each day to admire the statues and intricate spires.
Interior Ministry undersecretary Massimo Brutti said Digos anti-terrorist police, who often probe crimes with a possible political motive, were investigating the case, Reuters said.
Two magistrates speculated that the bomb could be connected to the pre-election atmosphere in Italy. National elections are due to be held in the spring and the political climate has already heated up between the center-left and the center-right.
