Arson accused 'scared' by Russian terror link

ATTACK ON WAREHOUSE PLANNED BY COUNTY MAN

- By STAFF REPORTER

A HOMELESS man has admitted being at the scene of a fire at a warehouse used in the Ukraine war effort - but told jurors he got “scared” when he learned it was linked to “Russian terrorism”.

Around £1 million of damage was caused in an arson attack on an industrial unit in Leyton, east London, last March 20, the Old Bailey was told.

The building was targeted because it was being used by a firm sending humanitarian aid and StarLink satellite equipment to Ukraine, it is alleged.

The attack was orchestrated by Leicestershire man Dylan Earl and Jake Reeves. The pair have already admitted aggravated arson on behalf of the Wagner Group and an offence under the National Security Act, jurors heard.

It is alleged they recruited a group of men to carry out the attack as part of a series of planned missions for the terrorist group.

Paul English, 61, allegedly drove to the warehouse in his Kia Picanto with Jakeem Rose, 23, Nii Mensah, 23, and Ugnius Asmena, 20.

Mensah and Rose were captured on CCTV and livestreamed video as they set the warehouse on fire before they made off, it is claimed.

On Monday, Asmena gave evidence in their Old Bailey trial after English, Mensah and Rose declined to go into the witness box.