Metropolitan Police have recorded a significant reduction in shootings involving converted blank firearms following the dismantling of a criminal network led by a 60-year-old man who manufactured weapons inside his South Ockendon caravan whilst stockpiling homemade explosives.
Thomas McKenna was sentenced to 16 years’ imprisonment plus five years on licence at Kingston Crown Court on 12 February after pleading guilty to converting imitation firearms, conspiracy to sell prohibited weapons and making explosives. His arrest in November 2024 resulted in a measurable drop in gun crime linked to converted blank firearms across London.
The gang’s reach extended to a convicted accomplice in the murder of PC Sharon Beshenivsky. Faisal Razzaq, 44, who served 11 years for the police officer’s manslaughter in 2005, was identified as distributing converted firearms supplied by McKenna’s neighbours Robert and Ricky Dorey, both 43.
Detective Chief Inspector James Tipple of the Met’s Specialist Crime team stated: “Since the arrest of Thomas McKenna, we have seen a significant drop in the number of converted blank firearms involved in shootings in London. That demonstrates his importance in the supply of illegal firearms and why it was so crucial his criminal network was dismantled.”
Counter Terrorism Policing London assisted the investigation after a November 6, 2024 warrant at McKenna’s caravan uncovered a drill and lathe used for converting firearms alongside improvised explosive devices and manuals on bomb-making and converting blank weapons. More than 80 officers participated in the raid on McKenna’s three caravans, maintaining the scene for three days.
Specialist officers seized over 100 pieces of evidence including firearms, ammunition and improvised explosives. A large cordon protected surrounding residents on the Buckles Lane site during the operation.
McKenna and his partner Tina Smith, 55, were charged with multiple firearms offences, manufacture of explosives and possession of terrorist information. Digital devices revealed evidence of extreme right-wing views and discussions about preparing for a race war. They had downloaded and shared documents and videos outlining how to construct explosive devices and convert blank-firing weapons into viable firearms.
Smith received six years’ imprisonment plus 12 months as a special custodial sentence for terrorist offences at the February 12 sentencing.
The 10-month investigation launched in May 2024 following intelligence that Razzaq was involved in firearms sales. Detectives used advanced covert tactics including surveillance to identify a vehicle containing a firearm, which was stopped in Harrow on August 26, 2024 en route to Notting Hill Carnival. Forensic analysis later linked the seized firearm to McKenna.
Eight additional individuals were arrested for involvement in the supply or possession of firearms. Abdul Rahman Saleh, 32, assisted Razzaq in distribution. Patrick Loughnane, 59, facilitated communication between Dorey and McKenna.
Allan Crosby and Ryan Smith, both 44, were convicted of possessing a converted Ceonic pistol and compatible modified ammunition. Crosby received 10 years’ imprisonment whilst Ryan Smith was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years.
Tammy Rigg, 39, Loughnane’s niece, agreed to store a converted firearm at her South Ockendon home. She was arrested after officers observed Dorey attending her address on November 29 and later pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm.
Detective Chief Inspector Tipple emphasized the broader impact: “Thanks to a superb investigation by Specialist Crime detectives an entire criminal gang responsible for the supply of firearms has been shut down. This case is a great example of the work police officers are carrying out day in and day out that has led to record reductions in shootings.”
The operation resulted in the recovery of 14 firearms before they could reach London’s streets. The Met seized 676 firearms last year alone, representing a 75 percent increase on 2024. Simultaneously, firearms discharges dropped to less than half the levels seen seven years ago.
“We will relentlessly pursue anyone involved in the use, supply and conversion of firearms to keep the public in London safe from gun crime,” Detective Chief Inspector Tipple stated.
Six defendants await sentencing at Harrow Crown Court on 26 February. The Met continues intensifying efforts to drive down firearms offences and remove weapons from circulation across the capital.
