Man convicted of making explosive and poisonous substances

A man who was found with a large amount of dangerous chemicals in his garden shed has been convicted of various offences linked to explosive and poisonous substances.

Harry Whittaker, aged 31, was arrested on 6 May 2024 after Bedfordshire Police officers searched his home address in Caddington. Whittaker came to police attention after he was seen by paramedics for injuries linked to exposure to various chemicals he had been handling.

Whittaker made comments to the paramedics indicating he may have been in possession of further dangerous substances in his garden shed. The paramedics alerted police, who subsequently obtained a warrant to search his property.

However, after officers found improvised explosive devices in Whittaker’s garden shed, officers from Counter Terrorism Policing London were called to lead the investigation due to their expertise dealing with such materials and devices.

A crime scene and police cordon remained at the location for more than two weeks, to allow for the safe removal of various dangerous and potentially toxic chemicals including uranium, potassium cyanide and mercury.

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.”

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

The various materials, devices and chemicals were meticulously retrieved by specialist officers and forensically analysed as part of the investigation. Officers also found Whittaker had labelled some of the chemicals using antisemitic or Islamophobic language or references.

Officers carried out full examinations on Whittaker’s devices and other possessions, and they also questioned him. But although they found some evidence that he had an interest in some extreme right wing ideologies, 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.

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.”

On Monday, 27 October, Harry Whittaker (07.07.92), of Caddington, Bedfordshire, 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 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.

He is due to be sentenced on 9 January and has been remanded in custody.

Anyone wanting to report something that doesn’t look or feel right can report it to police via www.gov.uk/ACT or call 999 in an emergency.