Man convicted of making explosives in shed

A 31-year-old man has been convicted of various offences linked to explosive and poisonous substances.

The police became aware of Harry Whittaker after he was seen by paramedics for injuries linked to exposure to various chemicals he had been handling. He indicated to paramedics that there may be further dangerous substances in his shed.

Paramedics alerted police, who searched his property and found improvised explosive devices in the shed. Counter Terrorism Policing London were called to lead the investigation due to their expertise dealing with such materials and devices.

A cordon was in place for more than two weeks, whilst dangerous chemicals, including uranium, potassium cyanide and mercury, were removed.

Military personnel from the Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) were called in and they carried out controlled explosions on the improvised devices.

Some of the chemicals had been labelled with antisemitic and Islamophobic references. Searches of Whittaker's devices found that he had an interest in some extreme right wing ideologies.

Whittaker was found guilty at the Old Bailey of three counts of making an explosive substance, contrary to section 4(1) of the Explosive Substances Act 1883 and one count of possessing an explosive substance, contrary to section 4(1) of the Explosive Substances Act 1883. He was found not guilty of one charge of making and one of possessing an explosive substance.

He had previously pleaded guilty to four counts of possessing a regulated substance, contrary to section 3 of the Poisons Act 1972 and one charge of possessing ammunition without a firearm certificate, contrary to section 1(1)(b) of the Firearms Act 1968.

Commander Dominic Murphy, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said: “By making improvised explosive devices and collecting such a toxic array of chemicals his shed, Whittaker’s actions were incredibly reckless and put his whole neighbourhood at risk.

“I am grateful to Bedfordshire Police as well as a host of specialist officers from the military and policing, who we worked with to ensure the safe removal of poisonous and highly toxic substances.

“Whittaker claimed he just had a curiosity with science and that he meant no harm, but in reality he himself, his family and all of his neighbours in great peril.

“I’d like to thank the local community for their support while we dealt with the issue. The public help us every day, and I would urge anyone who may be concerned about any activity in their local area to trust their instincts and let us know.”

Whittaker has been remanded in custody ahead of sentencing on 9 January.

Chief Superintendent Jaki Whittred from Bedfordshire Police, said: “Our officers quickly recognised the serious and potential danger in the devices and chemicals found in Mr Whittaker’s possession, and as a result fortunately no-one was harmed by his reckless actions.

“I would like to thank the Caddington community for their understanding and support throughout this, and the specialist officers from the Met who were brought in to investigate this complex investigation.

“This case is an important reminder for the public to reach out to police if they have concerns about someone who might be acting suspiciously.”