Sunderland suspect named after he is charged with alleged firearms and explosives offences
A 57-year-old Sunderland man is due to appear in court after he was charged with alleged firearms and explosives offences.
Ross Airey was one of two suspects arrested nearly a year ago after bomb squad officers were called to Sunderland Household Waste and Recycling Centre, in European Way, on November 14, 2025.
The centre closed while a joint operation was carried out between Northumbria Police and Counter Terrorism North East.
Airey, who is 57 and from Courtney Drive, in Silksworth, faces one charge of possessing prohibited ammunition and one count of possessing an explosive substance for an unlawful purpose.
Counter Terrorism North East said in a statement: “His arrest followed the discovery of a suspicious item at a premises on an industrial site on European Way, in the Pallion area of Sunderland, on November 14.
"A second man who was also arrested was later released without charge.”
Airey, who is described as “a British man”, will appear at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.
The spokesperson added: “The charges were brought by Counter Terrorism Policing North East.
“Airey has not been charged with a terrorist offence and the offences he is charged with are not linked to terrorism.
“Counter Terrorism Policing retained the investigation due to the nature of the offences and the specialist capabilities of the unit.