Five charged over Palestine Action break-in at Bristol defence firm
Counter Terrorism Policing South East carried out a series of raids earlier this week
Five people have been charged over a break-in at a weapons firm near Bristol during a Palestine Action protest.
The group is accused of forcing their way into Elbit Systems UK's South Gloucestershire facility on August 6 last year, causing extensive damage and seriously assaulting staff and two police officers.
Counter Terrorism Policing South East carried out a series of raids on Tuesday before arresting the five suspects. The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised charges and said it will submit to the court that the offences were committed with a terrorist connection.
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, have all been charged with aggravated burglary, criminal damage and violent disorder.
They are due to appear from custody at Westminster Magistrates’ Court today (Saturday).
A sixth person, a 66-year-old man from Bristol, was also arrested during Tuesday’s operation – but has since been released without charge.
Ten people were arrested shortly after the incident in August 2024, and a further eight in November. All 18 were later charged and are awaiting trial.
Elbit Systems UK, which is Israeli-owned, has been repeatedly targeted by Palestine Action over its role in producing military technology.
The incident, happened at the Elbit Systems UK building near Patchway in South Gloucestershire.
Palestine Action was banned by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper using terrorism laws. It is illegal to support the group or be a member of it.
To get updates on incidents like this sent directly to your phone, join BristolLive on WhatsApp by clicking here. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice