Six nabbed over alleged Palestine Action terror links in UK-wide swoop
Counter Terrorism Police Charge Six in Major Probe
Six people have been charged under the Terrorism Act 2000 following a sweeping Counter Terrorism Policing investigation targeting activity linked to the proscribed group Palestine Action. The Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Command, backed by teams from CTP North West and North East, confirmed the charges were approved by the Crown Prosecution Service on Wednesday.
What Are They Accused Of?
The charges relate to:
- Public gatherings supporting Palestine Action held between 12 July and 9 August 2025 in London, Manchester, and Cardiff.
- A planned gathering scheduled for 6 September in London.
- Thirteen online Zoom meetings organised between 17 July and 21 August 2025.
Additionally, Police Scotland has charged one man in a connected case up north.
Police Warn of Serious Consequences
Detective Chief Superintendent Helen Flanagan, Head of Operations for the Counter Terrorism Command, said: “The six charges today, as well as the man charged in Scotland, have come about as a result of a proactive investigation into suspected activity linked to Palestine Action. While we cannot comment further as these cases are before the courts, I want to stress the serious consequences for those found guilty under the Terrorism Act. Palestine Action is a proscribed terrorist group. Anyone who supports or encourages support for this organisation can expect to be arrested, investigated, and prosecuted.”
She emphasised that lawful protests on Palestine remain permitted across the UK but urged the public to steer clear of activities supporting proscribed groups.
The Six Charged
- Patrick Friend, 26, Kennington, London
- Timothy Crosland, 55, Walworth, London
- Dawn Manners, 61, Hackney, London
- Gwen Harrison, 48, Kendal, Cumbria
- David Nixon, 39, Barnsley, South Yorkshire
- Melanie Griffith, 62, Southwark, London
All face charges of encouraging support for a proscribed organisation under section 12 of the Terrorism Act 2000. They were arrested on Tuesday, 2 September, across London, Cumbria, and South Yorkshire before being charged the following day.
The six suspects have been remanded in custody and are set to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 4 September.
