A NAIL BOMB has exploded just yards from a primary school and a church.

The sickening attack on the Elim Pentecostal Church in Lane End has horrified members of the community who are fearful the bomber could strike again.

The home-made device was placed behind the church, which borders the Francis Edmonds County Combined School in Edmonds Road.

Headteacher Nicky Willis said she will be warning the children to be on their guard.

She said: "Obviously it is a concern that something like that could happen in Lane End. I understand there was no damage and nobody was hurt and we will be advising the children to be extra vigilant."

Police did not tell the school about the attack, which happened on Monday at 11.30pm, and members of staff only became aware of the situation after a conversation with a member of the church on Wednesday.

A church member, too frightened to be named, said the bomb was cylindrical and that both ends blew off, blasting nails and screws against the back of the building.

He added: "The explosion was heard by people from a long way off. Potentially it was very dangerous. There could be a nutter on the loose."

Shopkeeper Kasturilal Mediratta, who owns the nearby BNT Supermarket, fears the bomber could strike again.

He said: "This is the first time I have known anything like this to happen in Lane End. Someone will try it again and next time it could be more serious."

Mr Mediratta said his wife had woken him up on Monday night after hearing the explosion.

Other shopkeepers in Lane End Shopping Centre, adjacent to the church, remained unaware of the attack.

A store owner, who did not wish to be named, said: "I'm amazed to hear that this has happened. There is lots of vandalism at the church but nothing that serious."

Wycombe district councillor Gill Bettison (Lib Dem, Lane End and Piddington), who is also a governor at the school, said that she wanted to know why police had not informed the school about the incident.

A spokesman from Thames Valley Police said: "We take all incidents like this extremely seriously and make it a priority to inform those we feel should be told about the incident for their own safety.

"It would, however, be irresponsible of us to spread fear and alarm among the community when we have still to establish exactly what happened.

"The safety of the public is our priority. If there was any impact for the school we would advise them accordingly."

Witnesses to the incident are urged to call High Wycombe police on 01494 465888.