What was Thomas McKenna arrested for in South Ockendon, Essex?

Thomas McKenna was arrested for stockpiling weapons and explosives in preparation for a 'race war', admitting to firearms, explosives, and terrorism offenses.

What illegal items were discovered at the traveller site in South Ockendon?

Police discovered gunpowder, homemade explosives, a workshop for converting firearms, converted pistols, replica weapons, and two improvised explosive devices at the site.

What were the motivations behind McKenna's actions?

McKenna's communications revealed links to extreme right-wing anti-Muslim ideology, with messages indicating an intent to prepare for and carry out violence.

Home / Crime and Justice / Extremist Bomb-Maker Planned 'Race War'

Extremist Bomb-Maker Planned 'Race War'

29 Jan

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Summary

An extremist planned a 'race war' with stockpiled weapons.
Police uncovered a converted gun and explosives factory.
Extremist material linked offender to anti-Muslim ideology.

Thomas McKenna, a 60-year-old lorry driver, was arrested in November 2024 at his caravan in South Ockendon, Essex, in what was described as Britain's largest traveller site. He had been stockpiling weapons and explosives in preparation for a 'race war,' as revealed by communications linked to extreme right-wing anti-Muslim ideology. McKenna admitted to 14 charges, including converting firearms, possession of weapons and ammunition, conspiracy to sell, and attempting to make explosives.

The compound, unlawfully expanded to 111 pitches, housed over 1,000 people. Inside McKenna's caravans, police found gunpowder, homemade explosives, and a workshop used to convert blank-firing pistols imported from Turkey into lethal firearms. Extremist materials and messages indicated McKenna's intent to 'strike now' and 'unalive the f***ing lot of them.' His girlfriend, Tina Smith, 55, admitted to possessing a prohibited firearm, making explosives, and terrorism offenses, sharing similar views in her own communications.