Elbit Systems break-in: 5 charged with terror offences

Five people have been charged over a break-in at weapons firm Elbit Systems UK during a Palestine Action protest. The group is accused of forcing their way into the company's South Gloucestershire facility and causing extensive damage whilst seriously assaulting staff and police officers.

Counter Terrorism Policing South East conducted a series of raids on Tuesday before arresting the five suspects. The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised charges and confirmed it will submit to the court that the offences were committed with a terrorist connection.

Five suspects face court appearance

Finn Collins, 20, from Whitstable in Kent, and Harland Archer, also 20 and from Whitstable, have been charged alongside three London residents. Salaam Mahmood, 19, Moiz Ibrahim, 27, and Louie Adams, 33, all from London, face the same charges.

All five have been charged with aggravated burglary, criminal damage and violent disorder relating to the incident on August 6 last year. They are due to appear from custody at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Saturday.

Wider investigation continues

A sixth person, a 66-year-old man from Bristol, was also arrested during Tuesday's operation but has since been released without charge. The arrests form part of a broader investigation into the August 2024 incident at the weapons facility.

Ten people were arrested shortly after the original incident in August 2024, with a further eight arrested in November. All 18 individuals were later charged and are awaiting trial.

Company repeatedly targeted

Elbit Systems UK, which is Israeli-owned, has been repeatedly targeted by Palestine Action over its role in producing military technology. The company has faced multiple protests and incidents at its facilities across the country.

(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.