Boston Police Officer Suspended After Explosives Found in Former Home

Now on paid leave and under investigation

A Boston police officer was suspended on Thursday after authorities removed possible explosives from his former home in Plymouth earlier in the day, officials said.

Cheryl Fiandaca, a Boston police spokeswoman, confirmed the suspension of Officer Kirk Merricks. She released few other details but did say that Merricks was placed on paid leave as a result of the incident in Plymouth. Fiandaca said Internal Affairs is investigating Merricks.

He could not be reached late Thursday, and a lawyer for his union declined to comment. It was not immediately clear if Merricks had been arrested or charged.