A Sidcup man has been charged after an explosion at the location of a newly installed ULEZ camera last December.

On December 6, 2023, police responded to reports of an explosion on Willersley Avenue in Sidcup around 6.45pm.

Due to the involvement of explosives, the investigation was led by the Metropolitan Police's Counter Terrorism Command.

Detective Chief Superintendent Trevor Lawry, head of local policing in Bexley, said that he was aware of the concern the explosion caused within the community.

Kevin Rees, of Harcourt Avenue, Sidcup, has been charged with causing an explosion likely to endanger life or damage property under the Explosive Substances Act 1883.

The 62-year-old has also been charged with three counts of possessing a prohibited weapon, under the Firearms Act 1968.

Rees is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday, November 11.

On December 18, 2023, Rees was initially arrested in Sidcup on suspicion of conspiracy to cause an explosion, an offence under the Explosive Substances Act.

He was released under investigation before subsequently being formally charged.

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 have clarified that the explosion and the separate damage to the ULEZ camera are not currently being linked.

A second man, now identified as Stephen Richard Harwood-Stamper, of Church Road, Broadbridge Heath, Horsham, West Sussex, was also arrested on December 18 in Horsham.

The 62-year-old was suspected of involvement in the Sidcup explosion and in criminal damage to the ULEZ camera on the same day.

Harwood-Stamper was released from investigation regarding the explosion but faces charges of criminal damage to the ULEZ camera and using a false plate while driving.

He is due to appear at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on November 27.