How MI5 Foiled a Tesco Worker’s Plan for Mass Gun Attack

How MI5 foiled a Tesco worker – Alfie Coleman, a 15-year-old at the time, once imagined the moment he would wield a firearm and unleash chaos. His vision included targeting the residence of the Lord Mayor of London, a plan he meticulously crafted while balancing a part-time job at a local Tesco supermarket in Great Notley, Essex. The teenager, who appeared to lead a mundane life on the surface, harbored extremist ideologies that would soon collide with reality, thanks to the tireless efforts of MI5 agents. After a retrial at the Old Bailey, Coleman was convicted of preparing for terrorist acts, marking a pivotal moment in the agency’s fight against radicalization in everyday settings.

The Hidden Plot

Before his arrest, Coleman had already accumulated a series of radical texts, including guides on explosives and methods of “silent killing.” These materials, discovered by police, hinted at his growing fascination with violence as a tool for ideological change. By November 2021, he possessed 10 such documents, one of which detailed how to use a garrote. His isolation, intensified by the pandemic, saw him cut ties with family and friends, retreating into the confines of his bedroom to refine his vision of terror.

Despite his reclusive nature, Coleman’s online presence revealed a more dynamic side. In July 2021, he applied to join the Patriotic Alternative, a white supremacist group, by sending an email that declared his identity as a “17-year-old proud white European.” The message included a photograph, which he used to prove his racial credentials. His desire to “start participating in activism” signaled a shift from passive interest to active planning, a transformation that would soon culminate in a detailed attack strategy.

Radicalization Begins

Early signs of Coleman’s ideological shift emerged in 2020, during the UK’s first lockdown. While he continued his work at Tesco, he secretly saved a document to his iPad—a copy of a neo-Nazi book from the 1980s. This act, though not illegal on its own, became the first step in his journey toward extremism. Over the following year, he expanded his collection of radical texts, delving into far-right narratives and exploring the potential of weapons like crossbows and automatic firearms.

His research included detailed notes on explosives and a list of “weapons I can get easily,” which featured knives and crossbows. By the time he turned 18, his focus had sharpened. He began studying “most advanced weapons used by terrorists,” a subject he discussed with a covert police officer. This officer, who had been monitoring his online activity, noted his admiration for figures like Dylann Roof and Anders Breivik, both of whom had carried out mass killings as neo-Nazis. Coleman’s admiration for Thomas Mair, the killer of Labour MP Jo Cox in 2016, further underscored his commitment to extremist violence.

The Attack Plan

On 31 August 2023, Coleman finalized his manifesto in the notes section of his phone. He titled it “Collapse,” a chilling reference to his plan to orchestrate terror. The document outlined his goals: to “tribe up, find your brothers, train and finally, attack.” He framed his mission as a necessary response to societal decay, declaring, “Peace and love? Try war and hate,” in a

that captured his mindset. His list of potential victims included not only the Mayor of London but also a Tesco colleague, whom he labeled a “race traitor” for marrying a non-white partner.

Earlier that year, Coleman had taken steps to acquire a firearm. Using savings from his part-time job, he withdrew £6,000 from his bank account and filmed himself counting the money to reassure sellers of his seriousness. This act of preparation showed his intent to act, but it was his encrypted messages that provided the crucial evidence linking him to the plot. On platforms like Telegram, he posted about “arms traffic,” seeking automatic weapons with the phrase “Original iron needed (automatic, if u have) pm me asap.” These communications, combined with his references to extremist figures, painted a clear picture of his plan.

MI5’s Role in Uncovering the Plot

MI5 agents, operating undercover online, intercepted Coleman’s messages and traced his movements. His attempts to purchase firearms and discuss terrorist tactics with an officer indicated he was close to executing his plan. However, his online activities also exposed his vulnerabilities. By sharing his list of targets, including the Mayor of London, he inadvertently gave MI5 the information needed to intervene. His manifesto, which detailed his intent to attack, was a key piece of evidence in securing his conviction.

Prosecutor Nicholas de la Poer KC described Coleman’s mindset as “seething with hatred on the inside,” emphasizing the depth of his ideological commitment. Yet, when questioned about his list in court, Coleman claimed it was merely a tally of individuals who had “not been nice to me,” highlighting the complexity of his motivations. This contradiction between his public persona and private beliefs underscored the challenge of detecting extremism in seemingly ordinary lives.

Although Coleman initially considered France as a target, logistical challenges forced him to redirect his focus to London. His plan to meet an undercover officer in Reims for gun purchases was abandoned, but the broader objective remained intact. His notes, discovered during the investigation, revealed a progression from passive interest to active planning, demonstrating how radicalization can unfold in rapid stages. MI5’s ability to monitor his digital footprint proved critical in thwarting the attack before it could materialize.

Coleman’s journey from a quiet Tesco worker to a would-be terrorist illustrates the growing threat of extremist ideologies among youth. His case highlights how seemingly innocuous activities, such as working at a supermarket, can mask dangerous intentions. The conviction at the Old Bailey serves as a reminder that even in the most ordinary settings, the seeds of mass violence can take root. As his family remained unaware of his plans, the incident underscores the importance of early intervention in identifying and stopping radicalization before it leads to catastrophe.