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Pro-Palestine protesters occupy Leicester drone factory Pro-Palestine protesters occupy Leicester drone factory
(32 minutes later)
The group claims it has disrupted production at the factoryThe group claims it has disrupted production at the factory
Activists have staged a protest on the roof of a factory involved in building combat drones.Activists have staged a protest on the roof of a factory involved in building combat drones.
A group called Palestine Action says it has occupied part of Israeli-owned Elbit Systems subsidiary UAV Tactical Systems in Leicester.A group called Palestine Action says it has occupied part of Israeli-owned Elbit Systems subsidiary UAV Tactical Systems in Leicester.
The facility builds unmanned aerial vehicles that the protesters allege have been used in recent conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.The facility builds unmanned aerial vehicles that the protesters allege have been used in recent conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
They say they have chained the gates shut and disrupted production. They said they chained the gates shut and disrupted production.
The action has been prompted by recent conflict in the Middle East
Escalating tensions in Gaza, Israel and the West Bank have recently turned into violence, with exchanges of rockets and air strikes resulting in more than 200 reported deaths.Escalating tensions in Gaza, Israel and the West Bank have recently turned into violence, with exchanges of rockets and air strikes resulting in more than 200 reported deaths.
The action has been prompted by recent conflict in the Middle East
A quantity of red paint was sprayed on at least one of the walls of the factory in Meridian Business Park.
An aerial ladder was deployed by the fire service but crews have since left the scene.
Latest news and stories from the East Midlands
In a statement, Palestine Action said: "Today's action shows that it is entirely within our power to stop the production of brutal machinery which is fuelling war crimes in Palestine.In a statement, Palestine Action said: "Today's action shows that it is entirely within our power to stop the production of brutal machinery which is fuelling war crimes in Palestine.
"The past week has shown the relentless death and destruction that Israeli forces can and will inflict with UK-made munitions and military technology.""The past week has shown the relentless death and destruction that Israeli forces can and will inflict with UK-made munitions and military technology."
Latest news and stories from the East Midlands A further group of protesters arrived at the factory, police said
Leicestershire Police have confirmed officers were called at 05:32 BST to Meridian Business Park in the city. Leicestershire Police confirmed officers were called at 05:32 BST.
A spokesman said: "Officers attended, along with colleagues from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service. A spokesman said: "Police remain at the scene and are attempting to engage with those on the roof."
"A further group of protesters have since arrived on the ground. By the afternoon, the protesters were still in place and police said officers continued "facilitating a peaceful protest on the ground outside".
"Police remain at the scene and are attempting to engage with those on the roof." Fire crews attended the scene and used an aerial ladder but later withdrew.
A quantity of red paint has been sprayed on at least one of the factory walls. 'Right to protest'
Meanwhile, an aerial ladder has been deployed by the fire service but there are no reports of protesters coming down. A spokesman for the Leicestershire Fire Brigades Union said: "The Fire Brigades Union were made aware that the protesters were representing the Palestinian solidarity group Palestine Action.
"Union officials immediately reminded senior managers that as firefighters, we are, and remain, a proud humanitarian service and our role does not involve law enforcement.
"Once the safety of those involved had been confirmed, Fire Brigades Union members withdrew from the incident."
Leicestershire brigade chair Graham Vaux added: "The Fire Brigades Union stand in support of Palestinian solidarity and the right to protest."
Elbit has been approached for comment.Elbit has been approached for comment.
A further group of protesters have since arrived, police said
Follow BBC East Midlands on Facebook, on Twitter, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk.Follow BBC East Midlands on Facebook, on Twitter, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk.