Palestine supporters smash through drone factory fences and tear open roof

Pro-Palestine activists have again targeted Braunstone-based drone manufacturer UAV Tactical Systems Ltd (U-TacS). The group believes the factory, a subsidiary of Elbit Systems UK, is sending weapons to Israel. Elbit has consistently and robustly denied the group’s allegations.

Members of the action group smashed a lorry through the fences around the site, in Leicestershire’s Meridian Business Park, in Braunstone Town, Palestine Action said. Others in the group have scaled the building and are currently occupying the roof.

Tools have been used to break through the roof, Palestine Action said. It added that this was done to “expose the contents inside the murder factory”. They have also sprayed red paint across the building, which they said was done to “symbolise the company’s involvement in spilling Palestinian blood”.

READ MORE: Drunk man bites his sister’s neighbor in argument over noise

Elbit Systems UK has been contacted for a comment. A spokesperson for the factory previously said, in response to the group’s actions at the site in April: “This repeated use of illegal and violent acts is highly irresponsible and we will work with the authorities to prosecute any person or group threatening the safety of our staff or their important work providing critical support to the British armed forces.

“This group is using misinformation as a tactic to recruit people to join them and commit acts which could have serious legal consequences for those individuals.”

“To be absolutely clear, U-TacS does not supply the Israeli military or the Israeli Ministry of Defence. Any claims to the contrary are completely false.”

Leicestershire Police officers are also understood to be at the scene. The force has been approached for a comment.

Ahead of the action, a Palestine Action activist said in a statement sent to LeicestershireLive: “If the government aren’t going to act, it is my personal, moral and legal right to take direct action.”

Palestine Action has targeted U-TacS on several occasions. Two men were charged by the police last month after protesters were reported to have crashed two cars into the bollards outside the premises.

In November last year, four people were charged after the group blocked the route to the factory. Protesters locked themselves to the vehicles, calling for the factory to be shut down and preventing staff access to the site. It prompted road closures and a heavy police presence, with the public urged to avoid the area for several hours.