A man has been charged with possessing explosives after “very small traces of radiological material” were found at a Bedfordshire property during a counter-terrorism investigation.

Specialist Metropolitan police officers have been searching a house in Caddington, near Luton, after suspicious substances were found earlier this month.

Harry Whittaker, 31, was charged on Monday with four counts of possessing an explosive substance for an unlawful purpose and one count of possessing a regulated substance without licence. He has been remanded in custody to appear at Westminster magistrates court on Tuesday.

Cmdr Dominic Murphy, head of the Met’s counter-terrorism command, said: “I’m aware that the recent police presence at an address in Caddington has caused some concern among the local community.

“Working with colleagues in Bedfordshire police and the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit, our priority at all times has been public safety – particularly in relation to other residents living nearby, and while our searches are now complete, we’re likely to remain at the address for a while longer to ensure the safe removal of all materials.

“As it has been throughout, this is being done with the support of specialist officers so that we are not putting anyone at any risk of harm.

“I’d like to thank the local community for their support and understanding as we continue to carry out this work.”

Bedfordshire police launched an investigation on 6 May after a “number of suspicious substances” were found at a residential address in Caddington. After further searches of the property on Hyde Road the investigation was passed to the Met’s counter-terrorism command on 13 May.

The Met has said the items discovered are being safely identified and removed by specialist officers.