A man has been charged in connection with the explosion of an ultra low emission zone (Ulez) camera in south-east London.

Kevin Rees, 62, of Harcourt Avenue, Sidcup, was arrested by counter-terror police after a low-sophistication improvised explosive device (IED) damaged the camera in Willersley Avenue, Sidcup, at about 6.45pm on December 6.

He has been charged with causing an explosion likely to endanger life or cause serious injury to property, contrary to section 2 of the Explosive Substances Act 1883.

The Metropolitan Police said he has also been charged with three counts of possessing a prohibited weapon, contrary to section 5(1)(b) Firearms Act 1968.

He will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ court on November 11.

TRANSPORT Ulez
Ultra low emission zone (PA Graphics)

The investigation into the incident was carried out by officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command due to their specialism in dealing with incidents involving the use of explosives.

No-one was injured during the explosion, but vehicles and a residential property were damaged.

The camera, which was installed earlier in the day, was cut down about one-and-a-half hours before it blew up.

Stephen Richard Harwood-Stamper, 62, has been charged with criminal damage, contrary to section 1 of the Criminal Damage Act 1971, and using a false plate whilst driving, contrary to section 44 of the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994.

The Met said he had initially been arrested in connection with the explosion, but was subsequently released and instead investigated in relation to the separate incident of alleged criminal damage to the camera.

The two incidents are not being linked at this time.

Harwood-Stamper will appear at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on November 27.

Detective Chief Superintendent Trevor Lawry, who leads local policing in the Bexley area, said: “We know that this incident caused much concern locally at the time. Local officers have continued to support the investigation team as they have diligently gone about gathering evidence in this case, working closely with the CPS, which has led to these charges being brought.

“The criminal justice process must now run its course and I would therefore ask people not to speculate further as we await the conclusion of this case at court.”