Six charged with Terrorism Act offences linked to Palestine Action

Six people have been charged with terrorism offences as part of a proactive Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) investigation into suspected activity linked to the proscribed group Palestine Action.

The six people were charged on Wednesday, 3 September, with various offences of encouraging support for a proscribed terrorist organisation, as part of an investigation being led by the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command and supported by colleagues in CTP North West and CTP North East regions.

The charges, which were authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service, relate to public gatherings in support of Palestine Action held in London, Manchester and Cardiff between 12 July and 9 August 2025, as well as a planned gathering due to take place on 6 September in London.

The charges also relate to 13 meetings organised and held on Zoom between 17 July 2025 and 21 August 2025.

Another man was also charged on Tuesday, 2 September as part of a connected investigation being led by Police Scotland.

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 on these specific cases now that they have been charged, I do want to reiterate that there are potentially serious consequences for those who are found guilty of an offence under the Terrorism Act. I therefore urge anyone considering showing public support towards Palestine Action, or indeed any other proscribed group, to reconsider.

“We know there is a great strength of feeling towards the situation in Palestine and thousands have been able and continue to be able to express their views through protest and demonstrations, without breaking counter terrorism laws.

“Palestine Action is clearly proscribed as a terrorist group, and those showing support for this particular group, or encouraging others to do so can expect to be arrested, investigated and prosecuted.”

The six people who have been charged today are as follows:

[A] Patrick Friend, 26 (23.08.1999), of Kennington, London

[B] Timothy Crosland, 55 (15.04.1970), of Walworth, London,

[C] Dawn Manners, 61, (27.02.1964) of Hackney, London

[D] Gwen Harrison, 48, (23.07.1977) of Kendal, Cumbria

[E] David Nixon, 39 (24.06.1986) Barnsley, South Yorkshire

[F] Melanie Griffith. 62 (10.04.1963) of Southwark, London

All six were charged with various offences of encouraging support of a proscribed organisation – namely Palestine Action – contrary to section 12 of the Terrorism Act, 2000.

They were remanded in police custody and appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 4 September. They were released on bail and are due to appear at the Old Bailey on 26 September.

All six were previously arrested on Tuesday, 2 September at various locations in London, Cumbria and South Yorkshire. They were taken to police custody and after further enquiries, were charged the next day as above.

Further information about the man arrested and charged is available from Police Scotland via: https://www.scotland.police.uk/what-s-happening/news/2025/september/man-arrested-in-connection-with-encouraging-support-for-palestine-action/