A carpenter has been charged under terrorism laws after police found explosives and various explosive manuals in his flat.

Benjamin Harris, 29, of Highcroft Crescent, Heathfield, has been charged by police after a raid on his home uncovered explosive black powder, oxidising agents, pyrotechnic fuses, chemicals, improvised exploding devices and manuals relating to explosives. Detectives also seized a small quantity of cannabis plants in various stages of production.

Sussex Police officers executed a search warrant at Harris's address on March 13 last year. They discovered a “quantity” of black powders, chemicals to make improvised fireworks, commercial fireworks and a USB stick containing electronic manuals, text books and academic documents relating to explosives.

Harris was arrested at the address and was released on police bail after being interviewed. He has now been charged following a detailed police investigation and, on the authority of the Attorney General and the CPS, will answer six charges.

They include possession of low explosive black powder, possession of oxidising agents and making low explosive black powder – all contrary to the Explosive Substances Act 1883.

He is also charged with collecting or making a record of information that was of a kind likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism by possessing a USB drive containing electronic copies of ten documents on the production of explosives, contrary to the Terrorism Act 2000, and contravening the Manufacture and Storage of Explosives Regulations 2005 and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 in relation to the storage of explosive material.

He was also charged with the production of cannabis and is due to appear on bail at Westminster Magistrates Court in London on Wednesday.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: "This is not part of any wider investigation and there is no threat to the local community".