Police seize firearms from home of arrested Oxford student | UK | News
Firearms and ammunition were allegedly seized from the home of an Oxford University student who was arrested for an anti-Israel protest. Reports say officers raided Sam Williams’ home in a cul-de-sac in Pembury, Tunbridge Wells, on Thursday, followed by a coroner’s raid on Thursday. Photos from the scene Daily Mail An officer is seen carrying clear plastic bags filled with shotgun shells, rifles and shotguns from the property.
A neighbor told the paper: “It’s a bit worrying that there was a shotgun and ammunition in the house. He may be the legal owner of them.” [but] We didn’t know they went hunting. “Obviously the police have a job to do, but for us it just adds another layer of anxiety to the whole thing.”
There is no allegation that the guns were not legally owned.
Williams was reportedly suspended from Oxford University shortly after he was arrested for chanting anti-Semitic slogans at a pro-Palestinian protest in central London last week.
The 20-year-old undergraduate was studying Politics, Philosophy and Economics at Balliol College before he was detained on suspicion of inciting racial hatred after the video was shared widely on social media.
Footage from last weekend’s rally showed Williams leading the assembled crowd chanting: “Gaza, Gaza makes us proud, tear down the Zios.” ‘Zio’ is a derogatory term for Zionists and Jews.
He was also caught on camera holding a sign that read: “University of Oxford choose your side, justice or genocide.”
In a statement on Wednesday, the Metropolitan Police said: “Officers investigating hymns filmed at the Palestine Coalition Demonstration in central London on Saturday 11 October have made an arrest.
“A 20-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of inciting racial hatred at an address in Oxfordshire on Wednesday 15 October. He remains in police custody.”
A statement from Oxford University added: “While the University cannot comment on individual student cases, it has the power to take immediate and proportionate action where serious concerns are raised, including, where appropriate, the suspension of a student from membership of the university.
“The University of Oxford is clear: there is no place for hate, antisemitism or discrimination in our community and we will always act to protect the safety and dignity of our students.”
