Police were tipped off about Michael Pym-Nixson, 54, after paramedics treated him for burns at his Kingston-Upon-Thames home. Suspicious injuries sparked an immediate police probe.
Explosion Risk at Home
After arresting Pym-Nixson, officers uncovered kilos of chemicals hoarded at his property. These substances, when mixed, can create explosive materials. The Met’s Counter Terrorism Command took over the investigation, but ruled out any terror links.
Commander Richard Smith, Counter Terrorism Command: “Pym-Nixson’s obsession with making explosives in case society collapses put him and his neighbours at serious risk. Experimenting with volatile chemicals in uncontrolled conditions could easily have caused a major fire or explosion.”
“We urge anyone worried about suspicious activity nearby to call police immediately – we take all concerns seriously.”
Burns, Bangs and Bomb-Making Notes
On the evening of Friday 19 March, paramedics treated Pym-Nixson for burns to his left hand, which he claimed were caused by a firework accident. When officers first visited, he refused entry. Two days later, they returned to search the flat and arrest him.
Specialist bomb disposal experts combed through his house and shed for a week. They found large quantities of explosive chemicals and hand-written notes from 2015-2016 detailing bomb-making recipes. Officers also discovered saved online how-to videos.
Neighbours later told police they heard three loud bangs on the same day Pym-Nixson hurt himself — small explosions caused by his chemical mixing, which went unreported until now.
Charged and Facing Court
Pym-Nixson was charged on 29 March with three counts of possessing explosive substances under the Explosive Substances Act 1883. He pleaded not guilty at Westminster Magistrates’ Court the next day.
However, on the third day of his trial at Southwark Crown Court on 3 November, he admitted two charges; the third will lie on file. Sentencing is set for 10 December.
