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Brit pleads guilty to possession of explosives

The Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command has led an investigation into a man who was planning to use fireworks to make an improvised incendiary device he was planning to use to target a mosque in south London.

41-year-old Steven Bishop pleaded guilty at Kingston Crown Court on 8 April to possession of an explosive substance with intent, contrary to section 3 of the Explosive Substances Act 1883. Bishop has previously pleaded guilty to collection or making a record of information of a kind likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism.

Commander Clarke Jarrett, head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said: “From our investigation it was clear Bishop stockpiled a quantity of fireworks and other component parts with the intention of creating a device that he was intending to use to target a mosque. Thanks to the diligence of his key worker in alerting us we were able to intervene before he could progress with his plans any further and crucially, nobody came to any harm. This example shows that information we get from the public really can help to protect the public and save lives.

“Given Bishop was focussed upon a mosque, and in light of recent events in New Zealand, we also know that Muslim and other faith communities may be feeling particularly concerned and vulnerable. Specialist officers continue to provide support and protective security advice to mosques, and indeed all places of worship across the UK on how to best keep their buildings and visitors safe.”

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