Man in court after counter-terror police raid Bedfordshire home

A man has appeared in court charged with possessing explosive substances and the poison potassium cyanide.

Harry Whittaker, of Caddington, near Luton, is accused of four counts of possessing an explosive substance for an unlawful purpose and one count of possessing a regulated substance without licence.

The court heard chemicals were found in a shed in the 31-year-old’s home on May 6.

He appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday wearing a grey tracksuit and gave no indication of plea to the charge of possessing potassium cyanide.

Prosecutor Sally-Anne Russell told the court the substance was a “regulated poison under the Poisons Act”.

Whittaker was not asked to give any indication of pleas for the other four counts, which are indictable-only offences and must be sent to a crown court.

He was remanded in custody ahead of a hearing at Southwark Crown Court on June 18.

Bedfordshire Police launched an investigation on May 6 which was passed to the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command on May 13.

The Met said previously the items discovered were being safely identified and removed by specialist officers.

The investigation was then passed to the Met's Counter Terrorism team.

Commander Dominic Murphy, Head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said: “I’m aware that the recent police presence at an address in Caddington has caused some concern amongst the local community.

“... our priority at all times has been public safety - particularly in relation to other residents living nearby, and while our searches are now complete, we’re likely to remain at the address for a while longer to ensure the safe removal of all materials."

Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know