On 2 July 2024, Mohammad Farooq in Leeds, was found guilty of preparing an act of terrorism. Farooq pleaded guilty to possessing an explosive substance with intent to endanger life, firearms offences, and the possession of terrorist material. Farooq identified two potential targets for an attack; an RAF base in Yorkshire and St James’s Hospital in Leeds where he was a student nurse. He conducted hostile reconnaissance at the RAF base but found the site to be too well guarded. Farooq decided to target the “softer and less well-protected target” of St. James’s Hospital.

Farooq was found on the hospital grounds in possession of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), knives, and an imitation firearm. Farooq’s plan was to detonate the device, then attack as many people as possible with knives before using the imitation firearm to incite police to shoot him dead and “seek martyrdom”.

Farooq sent a bomb threat in order to lure people to the hospital car park and then conduct his attack. CCTV showed Farooq conducting hostile reconnaissance at the hospital cafe, where he reportedly planned to begin his attack. A patient notified the Police.

Terrorists have the intent to conduct attacks against hospitals in the UK due to their position in the UK’s Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) and their easily accessible, often crowded, public waiting areas. Any terrorist attack conducted at a hospital has symbolic value and results in significant media coverage due to the targeting of vulnerable individuals.

 Source: Individual Guilty of Hospital Terror Plot – Pool Reinsurance

What do you need to do?
  • Consider your organisation’s emergency planning for a terror attack
  • Ensure your staff receive training on security awareness
  • Report any security incidents and contact your Anti-Crime Specialist for support, such as carrying out a site security review

Importance: For information

To discuss this issue or request any further assistance and support please contact: Jonathan Gladwin, Director of Anti-Crime Services; or your nominated Anti-Crime Specialist.