A man from Kingston upon Thames could be handed a life-sentence after stockpiling explosives at his flat in St Georges Road.

Michael Pym-Nixson, is said to have put himself and others at risk by hoarding and experimenting with "highly dangerous" chemicals at his home.

He was arrested and charged earlier this year with three counts of possessing explosive substances contrary to Section 4 of the Explosive Substances Act 1883.

Today, on the third day of his trial at Southwark Crown Court, the 54-year-old admitted to two of these counts.

He was remanded in custody and will be sentenced in December.

Judge Gregory Perrins said a custodial sentence was "inevitable."

But he told Mr Pym-Nixson: "I am not going to sentence you today, I would like to know a little bit more about you."

Prosecuting counsel Thomas Payne told the court: "There is a history of mental health problems and drug abuse which impacts on the picture."

Mr Pym-Nixson first came to the attention of police when paramedics were called to his flat on Friday 19 March to treat a burn injury to his hand - which he claimed was caused by a firework.

After refusing to let police into the house the next day, the Kingston resident was arrested.

His flat was then searched for a week by specialist officers with the Met's Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team.

Large amounts of chemicals used to make explosive material were found in the house and shed.

Officers also discovered that on the day of the burn injury, Mr Pym-Nixson had caused three small explosions by mixing these substances, causing loud bangs that were heard by neighbours but went unreported.

Hand-written notes with the quantities of the substances needed to make explosives were also found along with how-to videos online that Pym-Nixson had saved. The notes are said to have been written in 2015 and 2016.

The investigation was led by the Met's Counter Terrorism Command but no terrorism connection was found.

Commander Richard Smith, who leads the Counter Terrorism Command, said: "Pym-Nixson's pre-occupation with making explosive materials in preparation for a future breakdown of society put himself and others who lived around him at risk.

"He was experimenting with highly dangerous chemicals in uncontrolled conditions, and his actions could easily have resulted in a serious fire or explosion.

"We would urge anyone with concerns about anyone in their neighbourhood who they believe is committing crime to call police straight away – we will act."

To report crime in your area, call 101 or 999 in an emergency. You can also report online via met.police.uk. If you'd prefer to give information anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

If you've seen or heard something suspicious that could be related to terrorism, even if it seems minor or not worth mentioning, trust your instincts and ACT by reporting it. Action Counters Terrorism. To do this, call the Anti Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321.