Birmingham Bomb Maker Zahid Hussain Found Guilty of Terror Charges
A Birmingham man has been found guilty after police uncovered a deadly bomb-making operation at his home. Zahid Hussain, 29, a former doorman, was caught with a pressure cooker packed with shrapnel and rigged with Christmas tree lights, designed as a makeshift bomb.
Pressure Cooker Bomb and Bomb-Making Gear Found
Officers searched Hussain’s room on Naseby Drive, Alum Rock, and found handwritten notes with bomb instructions, textbooks on guerrilla warfare, and dismantled electricals like alarm clocks and doorbell chimes. His stash included adapted Christmas lights sealed with match head powder, acting as potential detonators.
Suspicious Behaviour Leads to Arrest
Hussain was first detained in August 2015 after acting strangely and was found with a knife, crowbar, and more bomb-making notes. Police discovered suspicious substances and a haul of wiring, dismantled phones, and bottles of hydrogen peroxide at his home.
Counter Terror Unit Investigate Complex Case
The West Midlands Police Counter Terrorism Unit launched a thorough probe. They searched Naseby Road and a nearby storm drain Hussain was spotted entering. Forensic experts confirmed the pressure cooker contained a dangerous mix of urea, diesel fuel, nails, drill bits, nuts, bolts, and steel sockets — all components that could create a deadly explosion.
Official Reaction and Next Steps
“There was no evidence of a specific target, but this device was extremely dangerous,” said Chief Superintendent Matt Ward, head of counter-terrorism for West Midlands Police. “Hussain also browsed content about bomb making and terrorism on his computer, showing ongoing intent.”
Hussain, estranged from his wife and two children, will face sentencing soon. Authorities urge anyone worried about radicalisation to call 101 or visit preventtragedies.co.uk for help.
