Thomas Walker, 43, and Yolanda-Tony King, 48, have been charged with criminal damage and making threats to kill following the discovery of three "small homemade explosive devices" at a property in Sawyers Grove, Brentwood. Essex Police forced entry to the home on Friday morning, 30 October 2026, after responding to reports of a disturbance.
The discovery prompted the evacuation of 40 properties and the imposition of a 100m (328ft) cordon in the area. Residents displaced from their homes were offered refuge at the King George's Playing Fields pavilion.
Mr Walker faces three counts of criminal damage, while Ms King has been charged with two counts of criminal damage and an additional count of harassment. Both were due to appear before magistrates in Basildon on Monday, 2 November 2026. Police have stated that investigations into the suspicious items are continuing.