Man jailed after creating explosives in shed

A man has been jailed after large amounts of dangerous chemicals were found in his garden shed.

Harry Whittaker has been convicted of various offences linked to explosive and poisonous substances.

The 33-year-old was arrested in May 2024 after being seen by paramedics for injuries linked to exposure to various chemicals he had been handling.

Comments made to the paramedics implied that there may have been more dangerous substances in in his garden shed. Paramedics informed the police who obtained a warrant to search his property.

Officers found improvised explosive devices in Whittaker’s garden shed and the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command were called to lead the investigation.

A police cordon was in place for more than two weeks, to allow for the safe removal of various dangerous and potentially toxic chemicals including uranium, potassium cyanide and mercury.

Military personnel from the Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) supported the response and investigation and carried out controlled explosions on the improvised devices, which had been made with 'black powder’ - a nitrate-based explosive substance.

Some the chemicals had been labelled with antisemitic or Islamophobic language or references.

Whittaker's devices were examined and evidence was found that he had an interest in some extreme right wing ideologies. However detectives found no evidence that he was planning to use the devices or chemicals to target any other persons or as part of any kind of attack.

Whittaker was found guilty on Monday 27 October 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 previously pleaded guilty to four counts of possessing a regulated substance, contrary to section 3 of the Poisons Act 1972.

He has now been sentenced to 45 months' in prison and subject to a 10-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO).

Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command 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.”

Chief Superintendent Jaki Whittred from Bedfordshire Police, said: “The upset and disruption within the local community following the findings at Mr Whittaker’s address on 6 May 2024 was considerable.

“The sentence passed to him today shows how seriously his actions have been taken by the specialist officers from the Met, who have investigated this complicated case, and Bedfordshire Police who supported the operational response.

“Once again, I pass on my thanks and admiration to the Caddington community for their support and understanding during the entire investigation.

“I would like to reiterate that it is important for the public to remain vigilant and reach out to us if they have concerns about individuals who might be acting suspiciously.”