Man Busted After Burning Himself While Brewing Explosives at Home
Michael Pym-Nixson, 54, found himself in hot water after paramedics treated him for burn injuries at his Kingston-Upon-Thames home. The suspicious circumstances sparked a full-blown police investigation.
Explosive Hoard Discovered in Suspect’s Home
Following his arrest, cops uncovered kilos of chemicals in Pym-Nixson’s possession. When combined, these substances can create explosive materials. The Met’s Counter Terrorism Command took charge of the probe but ruled out any terror links.
Commander Richard Smith, leading the investigation, said: “Pym-Nixson’s obsession with creating explosives in case society collapses put himself and others at risk. His experiments with dangerous chemicals in uncontrolled conditions could have caused a serious fire or explosion.”
“If you suspect someone nearby is committing a crime, call the police immediately – we’ll take action.”
Burn Incident Sparks Police Raid
On the evening of March 19, paramedics treated Pym-Nixson for burns on his left hand, which he claimed resulted from a firework accident. Officers visited his flat the next day but were refused entry.
They returned on March 21, searched the property, and arrested him. The Met’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team remained on site throughout a week-long operation, uncovering a stash of explosive chemicals in both the house and a garden shed.
Explosive Experiments Alarm Neighbours
On the day he injured himself, Pym-Nixson caused three small explosions. Neighbours reported hearing loud bangs but did not initially alert police.
Officers also found handwritten notes from 2015 and 2016 detailing recipes and quantities for making explosives, along with saved “how-to” videos.
Charged and Facing Sentence
Pym-Nixson was charged on March 29 and appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court the next day. He originally pleaded not guilty to three counts of possessing explosive substances under the Explosive Substances Act 1883.
However, he admitted to two charges during his trial at Southwark Crown Court on November 3. The third charge remains on file.
Sentencing is set for December 10.
