Published Sep 19, 2017, 12:51pm
Amazon’s algorithm is showing components that could be used to make a bomb (Picture: Getty)

Bomb-making ingredients are being suggested to people innocently looking to purchase other items on Amazon.

An algorithm used by Amazon suggested purchasing chemical ingredients which are harmless on their own, but can be combined to make explosives, incendiary devices and pyrotechnics, a Channel 4 investigation has found.

The ‘Frequently Bought Together’ tool appears once a customer has added something to their online shopping basket.

The programme said recipes for explosive black powder and thermite appeared grouped together due to the tool.

During searches for other common chemicals, while steel ball bearings, often used as bomb shrapnel, are also recommended in the ‘Customers Also Bought’ function.

Extremely concerning items such as ignition systems and remote detonators were also readily available, and were frequently offered as part of the ‘Customers Also Bought’ suggestions.

The home-made device that exploded at Parsons Green on Friday (Picture: PA)

Channel 4 investigators were able to show that it was possible to create an Amazon shopping basket of up to 45kg of ingredients needed to create explosive black powder, against legislation that allows an individual to create just 100g of the substance for private use.

Other items included push-button switches, igniter cord, battery connectors and cables – all of which can be used in the construction of bombs.

While many of the ingredients, including one commonly used for food production, are not illegal to buy or sell in the UK, the news programme said there had been successful prosecutions of people who bought multiple chemicals and electronic components necessary for the production of explosives.

An injured woman is assisted by a police officer close to Parsons Green station in west London after an explosion on a packed London Underground train (Picture: PA)

Metro.co.uk have reached out to Amazon for a comment on the investigation.

‘All products sold on Amazon must adhere to our selling guidelines which also adhere to all UK laws.

‘We will work closely with the police and law enforcement agencies should circumstances arise where we can assist investigations,’ an Amazon spokesperson said.

The revelation came three days after commuters were injured when an explosive device was detonated on a packed London Underground train at Parsons Green, south west London.