At around 3.30am, the operation allegedly began with a prison van crashing through a perimeter fence at an arms factory near Bristol.
Behind it came a group dressed in black.
According to prosecutors, they were not there primarily to destroy equipment. Their task was to hold the line — to confront, threaten and, when necessary, overpower the security guards while another group moved deeper into the factory.
The prosecution at Woolwich Crown Court has described the alleged break-in at Elbit Systems in Filton as a carefully organised operation involving two distinct teams: a “black team”, whose alleged purpose was to control the guards, and a “red team”, whose role was to cause extensive damage inside the facility.
Five people — Qesser Zuhrah, 21, Zahra Farooque, 26, Kamran Ahmed, 29, Heba Muraisi, 31, and Liam Mullany, 34 — are on trial accused of criminal damage and violent disorder. All five deny the charges.
Prosecutor Deanna Heer KC told jurors that the alleged plan recovered by police carried a stark objective: “Shut Elbit Down.” The document, she said, called on participants to work together using their “brains and muscle” to achieve the factory’s destruction.
The prosecution alleges that the black team arrived equipped with items including whips, hammers and large kebab skewers. Fireworks and smoke grenades were also allegedly used to frighten or keep security guards away.
One confrontation became particularly serious.
Security guard Nigel Shaw had reportedly struck one member of the black team across the legs with an umbrella. Prosecutors allege that other members then attacked Shaw when he detained their colleague. He was left with a 4cm cut to his head.
While the guards were allegedly being kept at bay, prosecutors say the red team entered the factory.
Inside, the alleged objective was destruction rather than simply protest. Computer equipment and drones were smashed with crowbars and sledgehammers, while fire extinguishers filled with red paint were used across walls and floors. A disabled toilet was also allegedly damaged.
The prosecution says the distinction between the two groups was deliberate. The black team members allegedly covered their faces and were described in the recovered plan as “coverts” — those expected to escape without being caught. The red team were described as “overts”.
Outside, protesters allegedly shouted slogans including “Free Palestine” as the vehicle breached a second perimeter fence.
The case now turns on what happened during those early-morning hours: whether the defendants were part of the alleged coordinated operation described by prosecutors, and whether their actions amounted to the criminal offences with which they are charged.
For the five defendants, the allegations remain allegations. They deny the charges.
The trial is continuing.
