Man charged in connection with ULEZ camera explosion in Sidcup

A man has been charged following an investigation by the Met Police into an explosion at the site of a newly installed ULEZ camera in Sidcup in December last year.

Kevin Rees, (22.08.1962) of Harcourt Avenue, Sidcup, was charged via postal charge requisition with causing an explosion likely to endanger life or cause serious injury to property, contrary to section 2 of the Explosive Substances Act 1883. He was also charged with three counts of possessing a prohibited weapon, contrary to section 5(1)(b) Firearms Act 1968. He is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ court on Monday, 11 November.

Detective Chief Superintendent Trevor Lawry, who leads local policing in the Bexley area, said:

“We know that this incident caused much concern locally at the time. Local officers have continued to support the investigation team as they have diligently gone about gathering evidence in this case, working closely with the CPS, which has led to these charges being brought.

“The criminal justice process must now run its course and I would therefore ask people not to speculate further as we await the conclusion of this case at court.”

Police were called to reports of an explosion on Willersley Avenue, Sidcup, at approximately 18:45hrs on 6 December, 2023.

The investigation into the incident was carried out by officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command due to their specialism in dealing with incidents involving the use of explosives.

On 18 December, 2023, a 60-year-old man was arrested in Sidcup on suspicion of conspiracy to cause an explosion likely to endanger life or property, contrary to section two of the Explosive Substances Act 1883. He was released under investigation and subsequently charged as above.

A 61-year-old man was also arrested on 18 December, 2023, in Horsham on suspicion of conspiracy to cause an explosion likely to endanger life or property, and criminal damage, contrary to section one of the Criminal Damage Act 1971.

This man was subsequently released from investigation in relation to the explosion incident, but he was investigated in relation to a separate incident of alleged criminal damage to the ULEZ camera, which took place earlier on the same day.

The two incidents – the criminal damage to the ULEZ camera, and the explosion - are not being linked at this time.

The man, who is now 62, was charged via postal charge requisition in relation to damage caused to the camera earlier that day.

Stephen Richard Harwood-Stamper (04.08.1962) of Church Road, Broadbridge Heath, Horsham, West Sussex, is charged with criminal damage, contrary to section 1 of the Criminal Damage Act 1971, and using a false plate whilst driving, contrary to section 44 of the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994. He is due to appear at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on 27 November.