logo
Palestine Action members charged over alleged Elbit Systems raid

Palestine Action members charged over alleged Elbit Systems raid

BBC News19-07-2025
Five people are due to appear before magistrates following a break-in at weapons firm during a Palestine Action protest. The group is accused of forcing their way into Elbit Systems UK, based near Bristol, on 6 August 2024. They are charged with aggravated burglary, criminal damage and violent disorder. Counter Terrorism Policing South East carried out a series of raids on Tuesday before making the arrests.Palestine Action allege Elbit Systems UK is involved in the manufacture and supply of weapons to the Israeli military - a claim the company strongly denies.
Finn Collins, 20, from Whitstable in Kent, Harland Archer, also 20 and from Whitstable, Salaam Mahmood, 19, from London, Moiz Ibrahim, 27, from London and Louie Adams, 33, from London, will all appear from custody at Westminster Magistrates' Court later.A 66-year-old man from Bristol was also arrested, but has since been released without charge. Ten people were arrested shortly after the incident last year and a further eight in November.All 18 were later charged and are awaiting trial.Palestine Action was proscribed as terrorist organisation by the UK government earlier this month. Supporting the group is now classed as a criminal offence, with membership or expressing support for it punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Vandalised pitch 'devastating', Bristol Manor Farm FC says
Vandalised pitch 'devastating', Bristol Manor Farm FC says

BBC News

time7 minutes ago

  • BBC News

Vandalised pitch 'devastating', Bristol Manor Farm FC says

A football club has expressed its "shock and heartbreak" after vandals drove a car onto its pitch and set it alight. One of Bristol Manor Farm's goal posts was destroyed and a large area of grass scorched by the blaze. The perimeter of the pitch was also damaged. The club, which is based in Sea Mills, has now launched a fundraiser to pay for the damage, which it described as "a devastating act of vandalism".Avon and Somerset Police said it had been made aware of a vehicle fire at the club at 11:55 BST on Friday. It added that the fire is being treated as suspicious and enquiries are underway. The club's chairman Jon Line said Manor Farm is a club "that places great emphasis on building communities and helping people enjoy our national game". "This pointless act of vandalism was a deliberate attempt to damage the club," he added."I believe it has had the opposite effect of making everyone highly focused in building a friendly, successful and united club." In a post on its crowdfunding campaign, Bristol Manor Farm said: "Our football club was the victim of a devastating act of vandalism."What should have been a joyful home fixture day quickly became one of shock and heartbreak for our entire community."Urging people to donate, it said: "Over the past few years, we've fought hard to improve our facilities, build a youth pathway, and create something the local area can be proud of."This setback won't stop us. But we need your help." Money raised will be spent on repairs and enhanced security measures for the club's grounds, it added."Let's come together, show what Bristol football is all about and get The Farm fighting fit again," the club incident meant Bristol City Farm's match against Avonmouth earlier had to be hastily switched to their opponent's side beat Avonmouth 2-1. Avon and Somerset Police said officers have attended the scene and CCTV enquiries are underway. It urged any witnesses or anyone with information about the fire to get in contact.

Manhunt for sex offender, 66, last seen at train station in popular seaside town – days after he was freed from jail
Manhunt for sex offender, 66, last seen at train station in popular seaside town – days after he was freed from jail

The Sun

time7 minutes ago

  • The Sun

Manhunt for sex offender, 66, last seen at train station in popular seaside town – days after he was freed from jail

COPS have launched a manhunt for a sex offender who was last seen at a train station in a popular seaside town. Christopher Spelman, 66, is wanted for failing to comply with sexual offender notifications requirements. 2 He was last spotted at Bournemouth train station on July 4 at 10.56am. A spokesperson for Lancashire Police said: "We are continuing to ask for your help to find Christopher Spelman, 66, who is wanted for failing to comply with sexual offender notifications requirements. "Spelman, initially from Prescot, Merseyside, is likely to be living in a tent and travelling – using transport hubs and campsites. "At the start of July, Spelman was released from prison near Weymouth and failed to register an address with police – in breach of his notification requirements. "As an update, we have this sighting of him on CCTV at Bournemouth railway station at 10.56am on Friday 4th July. "He exits the station and turns in the direction of Holdenhurst Road. "Spelman might have used local shops, the bus service or taxis in the area. "Immediate sightings of Spelman in any part of the country, please call 999. "Any previous sightings or information as to where he might be email mosovowest@ 2 is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.

There seems no end in sight to asylum hotel protests - as five intense minutes by a roundabout in Norwich proved
There seems no end in sight to asylum hotel protests - as five intense minutes by a roundabout in Norwich proved

Sky News

time19 minutes ago

  • Sky News

There seems no end in sight to asylum hotel protests - as five intense minutes by a roundabout in Norwich proved

Why you can trust Sky News It was an unlikely backdrop for a protest - a large roundabout on the outskirts of Norwich. But behind the trees flanking one of the carriageways was the reason hundreds had come - another hotel being used to house asylum seekers. Just as towns and cities around the country have seen protests in recent days, most prominently in Epping in Essex where at least 18 arrests have been made, this time the focus was the Brook Hotel. It started peacefully - bar the beeping of horns of passing cars and the chants from protesters on both sides. But in a flash, it all changed. Witnesses say one of the pro-immigration protesters had approached the much larger group wearing a balaclava and in seconds the pent-up fury spilt over as an angry crowd surged towards the police, shouting and swearing. Some tried and failed to hold back the furious crowd urging peace as a small group of police and protesters rolled down a verge, while backup officers emerged from a side road. But as quickly as it started, it was all over - an intense five minutes that seemed to take the wind out of their anger. Trying to find anyone willing to speak was almost impossible: "We don't talk to the mainstream media," a common phrase. But David Beane, from nearby Costessey, a veteran and the father of an eight-year-old boy, had clear views he wanted to share. "I know homeless people from the forces. I got out of the force, no dental treatment, I can't get a doctors. They get everything," he said. "I'm all up for immigrants coming, but sign the paperwork. You show who you are, you come in, you abide by our laws." It was David's first time at a protest. Another local man attending was Glen. "They're in there, free rent, free everything," he said. There have been protests in nearby Diss too this week. The Park Hotel in the town has now informed the Home Office that it will close altogether if it is ever made to house single men rather than families at the location. Back in Norwich, torrential rain was enough the bring an end to the day's event. Only a few stragglers remained two-and-a-half hours after it had all begun. But it seems likely they will be back. There seems to be no end in sight to the current spate of disruption.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store