SEVEN people have been charged with violent offences following an attack on a defence firm in South Gloucestershire.

A group of people used a vehicle to smash through the doors of the Elbit Systems UK building in Patchway in the early hours of Tuesday, August 6, police say. 

Extensive damage was caused to the building and employees were attacked and seriously assaulted.

Avon and Somerset Police said they attended the incident and two of their officers were seriously assaulted in the incident. 

All seven people are jointly charged with criminal damage and aggravated burglary and others have received additional charges.

They are all due to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court today, Tuesday, August 13.

  • Samuel Corner, aged 22, of Rock Hill, Georgeham, Devon, charged with violent disorder, assault occasioning grievous bodily harm with intent and two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm
  • Leona Kamio, aged 28, of Clifden Road, Hackney, London, charged with violent disorder
  • Hannah Davidson, aged 51, of Calder Gardens, Edinburgh
  • Charlotte Head, aged 28, of White Ash Glade, Caerleon, Newport, charged with violent disorder
  • Zoe Rogers, Aged 20, of Selborne Road, Southgate, Enfield, charged with violent disorder
  • Jordan Devlin, aged 30, of Stoke Newington High Street, London, charged with violent disorder
  • Fatama Rajwani, aged 20, of Commonside, East Mitcham, Merton, charged with violent disorder

The CPS will submit to the court that these offences have a terrorist connection, police say.

A 45-year-old man from Warwickshire currently remains in custody on suspicion of the commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism.

It comes after a warrant of further detention was granted by magistrates - detectives have until Friday, August 16 to question him further.

Meanwhile, a 33-year-old man from Manchester also remains in custody on suspicion of the commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism.

A warrant of further detention was granted by magistrates - detectives have until Saturday, August 17 to question him further.

A woman from South Wales, who was previously arrested in relation to the investigation, has been released with no further action.

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 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.”