Coalville Man Busted Over Chilling Terror Plot
Oliver Lewin, 38, from Ferrers Road, Coalville, had a sinister plan to launch a series of coordinated attacks across the country. Driven by a deep mistrust of authority, Lewin sought to recruit others to join his campaign of chaos.
Building a Terror Network on Telegram
Using social media, Lewin hunted for like-minded extremists on Telegram, aiming to create a nationwide network sharing his dangerous ideology. He even claimed to be ex-military and spent considerable time writing a training manual to prepare his recruits.
Targeting Vital Infrastructure
- Lewin, who previously worked as an AV engineer maintaining radio masts, meticulously studied their weak points online.
- He scouted locations in his local area for reconnaissance missions.
- In August 2021, he built a hideout to evade police helicopters.
- He planned to sabotage a culvert beneath the M1 motorway that controls water flow.
- Lewin undertook training exercises, teaching himself to walk in the dark and avoid travelling on roads at night.
Heavy Arsenal and Arrest
Police arrested Lewin on 25 August on suspicion of preparing terrorism. The raid uncovered:
- Three air rifles with weapon accessories
- Two additional air rifles plus pellets
- A pistol and a BB gun
- Walkie talkies and binoculars
- Army surplus combat gear and a packed rucksack for overnight camping
- Various tools and equipment
“In interview, Lewin claimed he was a fantasist but it is clear he took the steps to carry out reconnaissance of targets to attack, bought equipment and tools, dug hide-outs and tried to recruit and train others,” said Detective Chief Superintendent Mark Payne, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing West Midlands CTU.
“He wanted to advance a political cause by damaging property and wiping out media organisations. Extremists use this kind of ideology to create discord, distrust and fear among our communities and we strive to counter this.”
