London’s Gun Crime Plummets After Gang Boss Locked Up
London’s shooting spree involving converted blank guns has nosedived. The credit goes to cops who smashed a ring run by 60-year-old Thomas McKenna. His secret weapons factory was hidden inside a caravan in South Ockendon, stocked with homemade explosives and deadly converted firearms.
McKenna Slapped with 16 Years in Jail
On 12 February, McKenna copped 16 years behind bars plus five years on licence at Kingston Crown Court. He pleaded guilty to converting imitation guns, conspiring to sell illegal weapons, and making bombs. His arrest in November 2024 sparked a sharp drop in London gun crime linked to these dangerous weapons.
The gang’s reach was deep. One key player, Faisal Razzaq, 44, had prior form—11 years for killing PC Sharon Beshenivsky in 2005. Razzaq helped distribute the converted guns, which were supplied by McKenna’s neighbours, brothers Robert and Ricky Dorey, both 43.
Bomb-Making Gear Found in Huge Police Raid
Counter Terrorism Policing London joined the hunt. On 6 November 2024, cops raided McKenna’s caravan and found drills, lathes used to convert firearms, improvised explosives, and bomb manuals. Over 80 officers swooped on three caravans in Buckles Lane over three days, snagging more than 100 pieces of evidence including guns, ammo, and explosive devices.
Tammy Rigg, 39, niece of Loughnane, admitted storing a converted gun at her home in South Ockendon after officers caught Dorey visiting her.
Met Police Pledge to Stamp Out Gun Crime
“Since arresting Thomas McKenna, shootings with converted blank guns have dropped significantly,” said Detective Chief Inspector James Tipple. “Dismantling this network was vital.”
“Thanks to Specialist Crime detectives, an entire gang supplying illegal firearms has been taken down. This is why we’re seeing record reductions in shootings.”
“We will relentlessly target anyone involved in supplying, converting, or using firearms to keep London safe.”
The crackdown stopped 14 converted guns from hitting the streets. The Met seized 676 firearms last year—a whopping 75% rise from 2024—as gun discharges dropped to less than half the number from seven years ago.
Six more suspects face sentencing at Harrow Crown Court on 26 February. The Met is stepping up the fight to rid the capital of deadly weapons for good.
