Terrorism charges after ram raid on Israeli defence firm

Seven people have been charged with violent disorder after an aggravated burglary at a defence firm in south Gloucestershire.

The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised Counter Terrorism Policing South East to charge the group with their alleged involvement in an aggravated burglary and associated violent disorder at the Elbit Systems UK building on 6 August 2024.

Elbit Systems is an Israel-based international military technology company and defense contractor.

Charges include criminal damage, violent disorder and aggravated burglary.

The CPS will be submitting to the court that these offences have a terrorist connection.

A 45-year-old man from Warwickshire is in custody on suspicion of the commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000 after a warrant of further detention was granted by magistrates.

A 33-year-old man from Manchester is also in custody on suspicion of the commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000 after a warrant of further detention was granted by magistrates.

Det Chief Supt Olly Wright, head of Counter Terrorism Policing South East, said: “This is a complex investigation and, while we have now secured charges against a number of people, the investigation very much continues.”

T/Supt Dan Forster, North East Area Commander for Avon and Somerset Police, said: “At this stage, it appears those involved have travelled into the Avon and Somerset Police area from other parts of the country to commit these serious offences.

“We’re not aware of any wider risk to the local community in South Gloucestershire, or any other part of our force area, but we’d encourage anyone with concerns to speak with a member of their Neighbourhood Policing Team, either through 101 or through our website.”

Avon and Somerset Police reported that a vehicle was driven through the fencing and then used to ram the entrance to the building. A group of people then exited the vehicle and attacked the building. The group attacked some of the business's employees with weapons.

Six people were arrested at the time and the others fled.

Two officers were assaulted with a sledgehammer.

Superintendent Paul Wigginton said: “This is a disturbing incident involving people willing to use significant violence against anyone who got in their way as they targeted this business.

“The criminal damage is bad enough but to attack people with weapons is outrageous."