Extremist Bomb-Maker Planned 'Race War'

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.

Six converted pistols, a disguised shotgun, and replicas of firearms were recovered. Police used toolmark analysis to link converted gun parts to tools found in McKenna's caravans. McKenna had previous firearms offenses, and he, along with car dealers Allan Crosby and Ryan Smith, were banned from possessing ammunition. Smith's DNA was found on gun parts, and text messages indicated her knowledge of McKenna's dealings.

Authorities also discovered two viable improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and 4kg of gunpowder, with Ms. Smith's DNA linked to the gunpowder. Ingredients for making black powder and nitrocellulose were also found. McKenna was converting guns for sale and stockpiling his own cache for a self-declared 'race war.' The Turkish-made pistols were known to be easily modified for criminal use. McKenna's defense argued his actions were less severe, but the judge noted his communications were not experimental.

The wider conspiracy emerged during the trial of Crosby and Ryan Smith, both 44, who ran a car dealership. They were arrested after DNA linked them to a converted gun and ammunition found at their premises, which matched McKenna's workshop. Crosby admitted possession of ammunition and intent to supply cocaine. The case continues, with defense arguments yet to be heard for Crosby and Ryan Smith.