A 21-year-old man from Essex has been convicted of planning a terrorist attack after attempting to purchase a firearm from undercover police officers in a Stratford car park. Alfie Douglas Coleman, who was radicalised from the age of 14, was arrested on September 29, 2023, following a joint operation by MI5 and Counter Terrorism Policing London.
Arrest and Conviction
Coleman handed over £3,500 in cash for a Makarov pistol and ammunition in a car park in Stratford. Unbeknown to him, he was dealing with undercover officers. As he walked away with the bag containing the items, he was immediately surrounded by police and arrested. He was later charged and found guilty of preparation of terrorist acts, attempted possession of a firearm, attempted possession of ammunition, and ten counts of collecting information likely to be useful for terrorism.
Radicalisation and Planning
The investigation revealed that Coleman had been drawn into extreme right-wing terrorism from the age of 14. Over five years, he developed a plan to kill members of the public. In the summer of 2023, officers became increasingly concerned about his activities. They discovered he was attempting to buy firearms to carry out an attack in support of his extreme right-wing ideology. Digital devices belonging to Coleman contained extremist documents, including a manifesto-style diary outlining his grievances and plans.
Commander Helen Flanagan, Head of CTP London, stated: “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.” She added that Coleman’s radicalisation starting as a child is a growing trend, urging friends and family to monitor children’s online activity and contact the ACT Early support line if concerned.
Sentencing
Coleman pleaded guilty to multiple charges and was found guilty of preparation of terrorist acts. He is scheduled to be sentenced at the Old Bailey on July 8. The case highlights the critical role of undercover operations in preventing terrorist attacks and the importance of early intervention to counter radicalisation.
