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Man, 40, charged after explosives found in Rainham flat
Serious Incident Rainham Picture: @beckileigh_x - Credit: Archant
Detectives have today charged a 40-year-old man after explosives were found in a Rainham flat where a gunman was threatening to shoot himself.
The crime scene - Credit: Archant
Ian Michael Shingler, of Plough Court, Broadis Way – part of the Orchard Village estate – will face four charges.
They are:
Possessing an explosive with intent to endanger life or injure property.
Possessing an explosive substance for unlawful purpose.
Police performed a controlled explosion in a nearby field - Credit: Archant
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Possessing ammunition for a firearm without a certificate.
Possess a thing converted into a firearm.
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He will appear in custody today at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court.
Mr Shingler was arrested after police were called to the estate on Sunday at 2.15pm to reports of a man threatening to shoot himself in a flat.
On arrival, they found explosive devices in the flat and quickly evacuated the block before locking down the estate.
They took to Twitter to tell residents in the street to close their curtains and move away from their windows.
About 300 people were left stranded for eight hours as between 80-100 officers from across London dealt with the situation.
The explosives were destroyed in a nearby field at about 9pm before residents were allowed into their homes.
Upon his arrest, police assessed Mr Shingler’s mental health and he was deemed fit for interview.
Neighbour Donna Balbi said she felt “lucky to be alive” after learning explosives were found on the other side of the wall to where her young children sleep.
