Man expected to face two more charges over suspected ‘improvised explosive devices’ in South Shields

Alexander Kesteris Graham, 27, of St Aidan’s Road, Lawe Top, South Shields, is charged with committing arson with intent to endanger life.

And he is likely to face two charges relating to the misuse of explosive substances at his next court hearing.

He was arrested at his home on Sunday afternoon (June 25) after police and the fire brigade attended a report of an explosion.

Bomb disposal experts also carried out inquiries, and the area was cordoned off and several residents evacuated.

At South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court, prosecutor Stephanie Cook said an improvised explosive device had been found in the property.

Charges of possession of an explosive substance with intent to endanger life, and possession of an explosive substance for an unlawful purpose, are expected to be laid later.

Ms Cook said they could only be laid with the permission of the Attorney General, which had yet to be sought.

She revealed they would likely be brought when Kesteris Graham appears at Newcastle Crown Court on Tuesday, July 25.

District Judge Zoe Passfield told Kesteris Graham his current single charge, to which he did not enter a plea, could only be dealt with at a crown court.

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She remanded Kesteris Graham into custody.

Naomi Latimer, 22, of St Aidan’s Road, in South Shields, has also been charged with criminal damage in relation to the incident.

She is set to appear before magistrates in South Tyneside on Wednesday, July 12.