Three arrested after Pro-Palestine activists target defence firm in Bristol
Three people have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit criminal damage- after protestors targeted defence electronics firm Elbit Systems in South Gloucestershire.
Officers from Avon and Somerset Police were called to a protest affecting access to a business in Aztec West at around 6:45am on Monday 23 September.
Red paint was being sprayed on the road leading up to the building and two people had fastened themselves to the inside of a van.
It is the latest in a series of protests against the business' Filton base by the group Palestine Action.
The group claims the company is making weapons which are being sold to Israel.
Elbit Systems has said it does not supply weapons or military equipment to the Israeli Defence Forces or the Israeli Ministry of Defence.
As part of the latest action, the group held banners reading "Free the Filton 10".
In a statement, a Palestine Action spokesperson said: “We refuse to allow a company profiting from the genocide of Palestinians in Gaza to continue operations on our streets.
"Despite the attempts to deter us, we are continuing our direct action campaign until Elbit is shut down for good."
An Elbit Systems UK spokesperson said: "We are proud to provide critical support and advanced technology to the British Armed Forces from our Horizon site, and this work has continued uninterrupted today.
"Any claims that this facility supplies the Israeli military or Israeli Ministry of Defence are categorically false.”
Avon and Somerset Police said: "Police were called at about 6.45am to a protest affecting access to business premises in Aztec West.
"A police liaison team attended and sought to engage with the protesters to try to facilitate a lawful peaceful protest.
"One man and two women were found to be in a white van, from which paint was being sprayed.
"All three people have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit criminal damage.
“Two of the protesters ‘locked on’ inside the vehicle. They have been removed and all three individuals transported to custody."