Five people charged over alleged defence firm raid

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 a 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.

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