South Ockendon Caravan Gang Leader Behind London Gun Supply Network Jailed

A major criminal network responsible for converting, selling and supplying illegal firearms across London has been dismantled following a Metropolitan Police investigation.

A ten month investigation by detectives led to the conviction of ten gang members and the recovery of 14 firearms before they could reach London’s streets.

Yesterday, 60 year old Thomas McKenna, of Buckles Lane, South Ockendon, who led the group and converted weapons inside his caravan, was sentenced to 16 years’ imprisonment.

More than 80 officers were involved in the raid on McKenna’s three caravans. A scene was maintained for three days after officers discovered firearms, ammunition and homemade explosives.

Police say the gang had been so prolific that since McKenna’s arrest there has been a significant reduction in converted blank firearms being used in shootings across London.

The case comes as the Metropolitan Police continues its work to reduce gun crime and remove weapons from the streets. Last year officers seized 676 firearms, a 75 per cent increase on 2024. At the same time, firearms discharges dropped to less than half the level seen seven years ago.

Detective Chief Inspector James Tipple of the Met’s Specialist Crime team said the investigation had shut down an entire gang responsible for supplying firearms.

He said the case demonstrated the importance of dismantling the network, adding that police would continue to pursue anyone involved in the supply, use or conversion of firearms.

The investigation began in May 2024 after intelligence suggested that Faisal Razzaq was involved in the sale and transfer of firearms.

Detectives used covert tactics including surveillance to identify a vehicle carrying a firearm. The vehicle was stopped in Harrow on its way to the Notting Hill Carnival on 26 August 2024, where officers seized a firearm and ammunition. Forensic analysis later linked the weapon to McKenna.

A warrant executed at McKenna’s caravan on 6 November 2024 uncovered a drill and lathe used to convert firearms, along with improvised explosive devices and manuals on bomb making and weapon conversion. The discovery led to assistance from Counter Terrorism Policing London.

Specialist officers seized more than 100 pieces of evidence including firearms, ammunition and explosives. A large cordon remained in place at the Buckles Lane site to protect nearby residents.

McKenna and his partner, Tina Smith, 55, were charged with multiple firearms offences, manufacturing explosives and possessing terrorist information. Their digital devices contained evidence of extreme right wing views and discussions about preparing for a race war, along with documents explaining how to build explosive devices and convert blank firing weapons.

Eight further individuals were arrested for their roles in supplying or possessing firearms.

Razzaq, 44, had previously served 11 years in prison for the manslaughter of Sharon Beshenivsky in 2005. He was identified as distributing converted firearms supplied by neighbours Robert Dorey, 44, and Ricky Dorey, 43.

Razzaq was assisted by Abdul Rahman Saleh, 32, who lived nearby, while Patrick Loughnane, 59, facilitated communication between Dorey and McKenna.

Customers Allan Crosby and Ryan Smith, both aged 44, were convicted of possessing a converted Ceonic pistol and modified ammunition.

Tammy Rigg, 39, Loughnane’s niece, agreed to store a converted firearm at her home in South Ockendon. She was arrested after officers saw Dorey visiting her address on 29 November and later pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm.

At the Kingston Crown Court on 12 February, McKenna was sentenced to 16 years’ imprisonment plus a further five years on licence.

Tina Smith of Buckles Lane, South Ockendon was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment plus 12 months as a special custodial sentence for terrorist offences.

Allan Crosby of Etfield Grove, Sidcup was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment. Ryan Smith of Morants Court Road, Dunton Green was sentenced to seven and a half years’ imprisonment.

The remaining six defendants will be sentenced at Harrow Crown Court on 26 February.

McKenna pleaded guilty to multiple offences including converting imitation firearms, conspiracy to sell prohibited firearms and ammunition, possession of prohibited weapons and ammunition, making and attempting to make explosives, and three counts of collecting terrorist information.

Tina Smith pleaded guilty to possession of a prohibited firearm, making explosives and three counts of collecting terrorist information.

Crosby and Ryan Smith were convicted of firearms and ammunition offences, with Crosby also pleading guilty to possession of a Class A drug with intent to supply.

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