Pro-Palestinian group charged with damage and assault at Israel-linked firm in UK

Seven allegedly drove a vehicle into doors of Elbit Systems UK, which manufactures armaments, and assaulted staff and police

Seven pro-Palestinian activists have been charged after they allegedly smashed up an Israel-linked arms business in the UK.
Avon and Somerset police said a group forced their way into the Elbit Systems UK building near Patchway in South Gloucestershire, using a vehicle to smash through the doors, before employees were “seriously assaulted”.
The force said two of its officers who attended the disruption on August 6 were also “seriously assaulted in the course of their duties”.
Samuel Corner, 22, has been charged with criminal damage, violent disorder, aggravated burglary, grievous bodily harm with intent, and two counts of actual bodily harm.
Jordan Devlin, 30, Charlotte Head, 28, Leona Kameo, 28, Fatema Rajwani, 20, and Zoe Rogers, 20, have all been charged with criminal damage, violent disorder and aggravated burglary.
Hannah Davidson, 51, has been charged with criminal damage and aggravated burglary.
They were all charged by Counter Terrorism Policing South East, which is leading the investigation, and will appear at Westminster magistrates’ court on Tuesday.
The Crown Prosecution Service will tell the court that the offences were linked to terrorism – the judge could give the group a longer sentence if he accepts this.
Two other people remain in custody on suspicion of the commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000 .
They are a 45-year-old man from Warwickshire, whom detectives have a warrant to question until Friday, and a 33-year-old man from Manchester, who can be questioned until Saturday.
Supt Dan Forster, northeast area commander for the force, 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.”
The force also said that these arrests and investigations were not connected to the recent violent disorder seen across the UK.
Elbit Systems UK said in a previous statement that nothing it manufactures goes to the Israeli Defence Force and that its UK arm provides equipment to the British military.