Joint Met and MI5 Counter Terrorism Investigation foils deadly attack plot

A right-wing extremist has been convicted of planning a terrorist attack, after a joint investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing London and MI5 found he was plotting to purchase a gun.

The investigation into Alfie Douglas Coleman 21 (18.06.2004) of Essex, - who was radicalised from the age of 14 - involved the use of undercover operatives, who identified he was trying to get hold of firearms through his online contacts on extreme right-wing terrorism groups and forums.

Coleman was arrested on 29 September 2023 by police moments after exchanging £3,500 for a gun and ammunition in a car park in Stratford, east London, which he wanted to use to commit the attack.

What Coleman didn’t realise was that MI5 and police were aware of his plans and he had actually arranged to meet undercover operatives.

Police officers swooped on Coleman as he walked off with the bag containing the items. Following his arrest and charge, he was eventually found guilty of planning a terrorist attack on 30 April following a trial at the Old Bailey.

Commander Helen Flanagan, Head of CTP London, said: “Coleman was an extremely dangerous individual, who was planning a lethal terrorist attack. Were it not for the incredible work of our officers, in close liaison with our colleagues from MI5, this could have had a very different outcome.

“The investigation found that Coleman became radicalised and drawn into extreme right-wing terrorism from the age of only 14, which, over the course of five years, ultimately led him to developing a plan and intention to kill members of the public.

“But we were able to successfully foil his plot, and this case is a fantastic example of how Counter Terrorism Policing works hand-in-glove with MI5 to keep the public safe from this kind of threat.”

Officers became increasingly concerned about Coleman’s activity in the summer of 2023.

As a result of further enquiries, the investigation team, which was also supported by officers from the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit, became aware he was attempting to purchase firearms in order to carry out an attack in support of his extreme right-wing terrorist ideology.

This led to Coleman arranging to purchase a Makarov pistol and ammunition, but unbeknown to him, he was actually in contact with an undercover operative.

Coleman travelled to Stratford on 29 September, 2023, taking with him £3,500 in cash. He then exchanged the cash for a bag containing the gun and ammunition and began to make his way off.

However, seconds later he was surrounded by police officers and arrested. Coleman was taken to custody where he was held and questioned by detectives for several days, as they also analysed various digital devices belonging to him.

They found a number of extremist and terrorist-related documents, as well as a manifesto-style document written by Coleman himself. In the various versions his ‘Diary’, it outlined Coleman’s perceived grievances, heavily influenced by extreme right-wing terrorist ideologies, as well as his plans and intentions to carry out an attack.

The investigation team found evidence on his devices dating back as far as 2019, when Coleman was only 14 years old. Detectives found he had downloaded a copy of a notorious extreme-right wing terrorist text in November 2020, when he was still only 16.

Between that point and his arrest, officers found Coleman had downloaded and accessed various other extremist and terrorist-related texts, as well as a number of manuals on how to use and make weapons and explosives.

Commander Flanagan added: “Coleman was still a child when he started on his pathway to radicalisation, and this is a trend that is sadly becoming more and more prevalent in our casework. It is more important than ever that friends and family are taking an interest in what their children are doing online and if there are any concerns at all, then ACT Early and get in touch with us – before it becomes too late.”

If you are worried about someone, then visit the ACT Early website - actearly.uk - or call the Act Early Support Line on 0800 011 3764, in confidence, to speak with specially trained officers.

Following close consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, Coleman was charged on 11 October, 2023 with various offences. He pleaded guilty to ten counts of collecting information likely to be useful for terrorism (contrary to section 58 of the Terrorism Act 2000); attempted possession of a firearm and attempted possession of ammunition (contrary to section 1 of the Criminal Attempts Act 1981).

Coleman was found guilty of preparation of terrorist acts (contrary to Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2000). He will be sentenced at the Old Bailey on 8 July