Latest news with #JamesDunkerley
Sky News
14-05-2025
- Sky News
Neo-Nazi extremists guilty of planning terror attack on mosque
Three neo-Nazis who stockpiled weapons including a 3D-printed assault rifle are facing "substantial" prison sentences after they were found guilty of plotting a terrorist attack on a mosque in Leeds. Counter-terrorism police found an arsenal of more than 200 weapons that included crossbows, swords, machetes, axes, a baseball bat and numerous hunting knives, following raids on properties in Yorkshire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire. An almost completed FGC-9 Mk II printed assault rifle was found in the loft of one of the suspects. It was missing the barrel and firing pin but the men were sourcing the components to complete the weapon. The three men had a shared interest in bushcraft and YouTube "prepper" videos, claiming in court they were preparing for a "shit hits the fan" scenario such as a Russian invasion or a zombie apocalypse. However, prosecutors said they were actually preparing for a race war and had used the prepper groups to recruit an inner circle which moved on to neo-Nazi chat groups before setting up their own private group, as they prepared to take action. Detective Chief Superintendent James Dunkerley, head of Counter-Terrorism Policing North East, said the "self-styled militant online group" espoused "vile racist views" and took "real world steps to plan and prepare for carrying out an attack on innocent citizens". Bethan David, head of the Crown Prosecution Service's Counter-Terrorism Division, said that the 3D-printed firearm "could have been used to devastating consequences" if it had been completed. The group was infiltrated by an undercover officer and on 5 January last year, Brogan Stewart messaged the officer on the encrypted Telegram app, telling him he was disillusioned with other far-right groups that just "sit around and talk". "I want to get my own group together because action speaks louder than words," he added. Stewart, 25, from Tingley, Wakefield, appointed Christopher Ringrose, 34, from Cannock, Staffordshire, who had constructed the 3D firearm and Marco Pitzettu, 25, from Mickleover, Derby, as "armourers" for the new group. Stewart convened a group telephone call on 5 February in which he said the plan was to "cruise around" looking for "human targets" near an Islamic education centre, "do what whatever we do then back at mine for tea and medals and a debrief." Before the "operation" went ahead he wanted the members, who had never met in person, to "hang out, bring ourselves closer together and just cement that brotherhood" on 18 February, but the event did not go ahead and the group were arrested on 20 February. All three were found unanimously guilty of preparing acts of terrorism and possessing information useful for terrorism. Ringrose was found guilty of manufacturing the lower receiver for a 3D firearm. Pitzettu pleaded guilty to possessing a stun gun.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Yahoo
Neo-Nazi extremists guilty of planning terror attacks on mosque
Three neo-Nazis who stockpiled weapons including a 3D-printed assault rifle are facing "substantial" prison sentences after they were found guilty of plotting a terrorist attack on a mosque in Leeds. Counter-terrorism police found an arsenal of over 200 weapons that included crossbows, swords, machetes, axes, a baseball bat and numerous hunting knives, following raids on properties in Yorkshire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire. An almost completed FGC-9 Mk II printed assault rifle was found in the loft of one of the suspects. It was missing the barrel and firing pin but the men were sourcing the components to complete the weapon. The three men had a shared interest in bushcraft and Youtube "prepper" videos, claiming in court they were preparing for a "shit hits the fan" scenario such as a Russian invasion or a zombie apocalypse. However, prosecutors said they were actually preparing for a race war and had used the prepper groups to recruit an inner circle which moved on to neo-Nazi chat groups before setting up their own private group, as they prepared to take action. Detective Chief Superintendent James Dunkerley, head of Counter-Terrorism Policing North East, said the "self-styled militant online group" espoused "vile racist views" and took "real world steps to plan and prepare for carrying out an attack on innocent citizens." Bethan David, head of the Crown Prosecution Service's Counter-Terrorism Division, said that the 3D-printed firearm "could have been used to devastating consequences" if it had been completed. The group was infiltrated by an undercover officer and on 5 January last year, Brogan Stewart messaged the officer on the encrypted Telegram app, telling him he was disillusioned with other far-right groups that just "sit around and talk". "I want to get my own group together because action speaks louder than words," he added. Stewart, 25, from Tingley, Wakefield, appointed Christopher Ringrose, 34, from Cannock, Staffordshire, who had constructed the 3D firearm and Marco Pitzettu, 25, from Mickleover, Derby, as "armourers" for the new group. Stewart convened a group telephone call on 5 February in which he said the plan was to "cruise around" looking for "human targets" near an Islamic education centre, "do what whatever we do then back at mine for tea and medals and a debrief." Before the "operation" went ahead he wanted the members, who had never met in person, to "hang out, bring ourselves closer together and just cement that brotherhood" on 18 February, but the event did not go ahead and the group were arrested on 20 February. All three were found unanimously guilty of preparing acts of terrorism and possessing information useful for terrorism. Ringrose was found guilty of manufacturing the lower receiver for a 3D firearm. Pitzettu pleaded guilty to possessing a stun gun. The judge, Mrs Justice Cutts, remanded all three in custody ahead of sentencing in July and told them they must expect "substantial custodial sentences."
Sky News
14-05-2025
- Sky News
Neo-Nazi extremists guilty of planning terror attacks on mosque
Three neo-Nazis who stockpiled weapons including a 3D-printed assault rifle are facing "substantial" prison sentences after they were found guilty of plotting a terrorist attack on a mosque in Leeds. Counter-terrorism police found an arsenal of over 200 weapons that included crossbows, swords, machetes, axes, a baseball bat and numerous hunting knives, following raids on properties in Yorkshire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire. An almost completed FGC-9 Mk II printed assault rifle was found in the loft of one of the suspects. It was missing the barrel and firing pin but the men were sourcing the components to complete the weapon. The three men had a shared interest in bushcraft and Youtube "prepper" videos, claiming in court they were preparing for a "shit hits the fan" scenario such as a Russian invasion or a zombie apocalypse. However, prosecutors said they were actually preparing for a race war and had used the prepper groups to recruit an inner circle which moved on to neo-Nazi chat groups before setting up their own private group, as they prepared to take action. Detective Chief Superintendent James Dunkerley, head of Counter-Terrorism Policing North East, said the "self-styled militant online group" espoused "vile racist views" and took "real world steps to plan and prepare for carrying out an attack on innocent citizens." Bethan David, head of the Crown Prosecution Service's Counter-Terrorism Division, said that the 3D-printed firearm "could have been used to devastating consequences" if it had been completed. The group was infiltrated by an undercover officer and on 5 January last year, Brogan Stewart messaged the officer on the encrypted Telegram app, telling him he was disillusioned with other far-right groups that just "sit around and talk". "I want to get my own group together because action speaks louder than words," he added. Stewart, 25, from Tingley, Wakefield, appointed Christopher Ringrose, 34, from Cannock, Staffordshire, who had constructed the 3D firearm and Marco Pitzettu, 25, from Mickleover, Derby, as "armourers" for the new group. Stewart convened a group telephone call on 5 February in which he said the plan was to "cruise around" looking for "human targets" near an Islamic education centre, "do what whatever we do then back at mine for tea and medals and a debrief." Before the "operation" went ahead he wanted the members, who had never met in person, to "hang out, bring ourselves closer together and just cement that brotherhood" on 18 February, but the event did not go ahead and the group were arrested on 20 February. All three were found unanimously guilty of preparing acts of terrorism and possessing information useful for terrorism. Ringrose was found guilty of manufacturing the lower receiver for a 3D firearm. Pitzettu pleaded guilty to possessing a stun gun.
Scottish Sun
29-04-2025
- Scottish Sun
Crossbow attacker who left 2 women, 19 & 31, injured after stalking street with weapon dies from self-inflicted wounds
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A CROSSBOW attacker who left two women injured after stalking a street has died from self-inflicted injuries. Owen Lawrence, 38, was arrested following the incident in Headingley, Leeds, on Saturday and taken to hospital in a critical condition. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 A man can be seen prowling a street in Leeds with several weapons Credit: YappApp 4 The scene in Headingley on Saturday Credit: © YappApp 4 Various weapons, including a crossbow have been seized by police Credit: © YappApp The two women, aged 19 and 31, were also treated for injuries. Counter Terrorism Policing North East are continuing to conduct an investigation. West Yorkshire Police declared a major incident after the attack. Chilling footage shows the suspect appearing to wield an armoury of weapons as he strides down Otley Road shortly before 3pm. Dressed in dark clothing, he is seen darting around to expose a large object strapped to his back. Photos show what appear to be discarded weapons on the ground which were then seized by police. Head of Counter Terrorism Policing North East, Detective Chief Superintendent James Dunkerley said: 'Officers will continue to conduct enquiries and we ask that if anyone has information that may assist, to pass this to police. 'We understand there are concerns around the incident, and questions about how and why this has happened. Our teams are committed to carrying out an in-depth investigation to provide answers to those affected. 'We continue to work closely with West Yorkshire Police to support the local community and thank residents for their support and understanding over the weekend. 'Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and all those affected by this incident.' Horror as 'gun pointed at crowd' & crossbow seized near UK city centre with 30 armed cops scrambled – as 7 arrested Leeds District Commander, Chief Superintendent Steve Dodds said: 'We fully appreciate the understandable shock and concern that this incident has caused in the Headingley community, and we are continuing to work closely alongside our partner agencies to support and reassure those living, working or studying in, or visiting the area. 'We have put a comprehensive visibility and engagement plan in place in the area to provide an increased police and partnership presence that will remain over the coming days, both on the streets and around key events in the community. 'We are absolutely committed to making sure that people feel safe to go about their daily lives in the area following this incident. 'As ever, we would advise people to report any suspicious or unusual behaviour to us immediately through 101 or 999 in an emergency, or to officers on the ground, or venue or event staff.' Do you know more? Email Otley Road is famed for the Otley Run - one of the most famous bar crawls in the UK - and the popular Leeds pub crawl would have been packed with punters enjoying drinks on Saturday afternoon. Local Bethany Connelly said that a man with a crossbow was seen in the area. She said: "I was at work at a nearby restaurant and some girls were sitting outside. "They asked if they could come in and finish what they were having because they'd seen someone with a crossbow. "This was all before the incident, and a few minutes later, we saw ambulances and police rushing down the roads. "The roads were getting blocked off, and we'd been told by police to keep everyone indoors and away from the area." Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said on Saturday her thoughts were with the victims of the incident in Leeds, adding she was being updated on the situation. In a statement, she said: "I am being kept updated on the serious violent incident in Leeds this afternoon. "Thank you to the police and emergency services for their swift response. "My thoughts are with the victims and all those affected by this attack."
Western Telegraph
29-04-2025
- Western Telegraph
Suspect in Leeds crossbow attack has died
Owen Lawrence, from Headingley, was taken to hospital on Saturday with a self-inflicted wound after two women were injured in Otley Road. Police believe he was acting alone and say they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the attack. His Facebook accounts are being examined as the investigation into what happened continues. We continue to work closely with West Yorkshire Police to support the local community and thank residents for their support and understanding Detective Chief Superintendent James Dunkerley Head of Counter Terrorism Policing North East, Detective Chief Superintendent James Dunkerley said: 'Officers will continue to conduct inquiries and we ask that if anyone has information that may assist, to pass this to police. 'We understand there are concerns around the incident, and questions about how and why this has happened. Our teams are committed to carrying out an in-depth investigation to provide answers to those affected. 'We continue to work closely with West Yorkshire Police to support the local community and thank residents for their support and understanding over the weekend. 'Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and all those affected by this incident.'
