Norwegian Teenager Johannes Natland Mimed Shooting Officers During Huddersfield Hotel Arrest

Body-worn camera footage presented at the Old Bailey showed Johannes Natland, 19, pretending to fire a weapon at officers during his arrest at the Briar Court Hotel in Huddersfield last March. Natland, found with two working firearms and 12 rounds of live ammunition, pleaded guilty to possession of the weapons and ammunition but denies conspiracy to murder.

Prosecutors contend Natland flew from Stavanger, Norway, on a mission for the Foxtrot Network, a Swedish organised crime syndicate reportedly with ties to Iran. The court heard Natland joined a Signal group chat on 15 March 2025, shortly after his 18th birthday, and promptly enquired, "Who is to be killed?"

Two days later, Natland secured an emergency passport and boarded a flight to Manchester. Border Force officials initially refused his entry due to insufficient funds (£40), lack of accommodation, and no return ticket, though he was granted temporary entry ahead of a scheduled flight home.

Upon reaching Huddersfield by taxi, Natland received video instructions via Signal detailing a hidden cash drop. After collecting the funds, he checked into the hotel, paying in cash. Further Signal instructions led him to retrieve two handguns from woodland outside the town and locate a stolen car with a hidden key.

That evening, Natland purchased beer and shared videos of the firearms with a friend, alongside a photo of himself with cash arranged on his hotel bed. A Signal user, identified as "Agent 47," who had facilitated his travel, messaged him: "We have much to do tomorrow." He was arrested the following morning in room 207.

Last week, a Norwegian teenager was convicted in Sor-Rogaland District Court for recruiting Natland to commit murder in England on behalf of the Foxtrot Network. Agreed psychiatric evidence presented to the court indicated Natland had a history of psychotic disorder in Norway, described as "induced by multiple specified psychoactive substances," and had been discharged from a psychiatric unit six weeks before his UK travel. However, two psychiatrists concluded his mental health condition did not constitute a defence.

The trial continues.