Four arrested after protests at defence firm

Police say they were called to protests at two business premises in Bristol on Tuesday morning

Four activists who staged protests outside a defence firm have been arrested.

Palestine Action said its members blocked the entrance to two Elbit Systems UK sites in Bristol by using equipment to lock themselves inside a vehicle.

Police said they were called at about 06:45 GMT to two business premises at Aztec West Business Park and Patchway.

Four people have been arrested on suspicion of a public order offence and an investigation is under way.

Elbit Systems based in Israel, is a global defence contractor which supplies the Israeli army with equipment.

Elbit Systems UK told the BBC: "We are proud to provide critical support and advanced technology to the British armed forces from our sites in Bristol, and this work has continued uninterrupted today.

"Any claims that these facilities supply the Israeli military or Israeli Ministry of Defence are completely false.”

Palestine Action claimed responsibility for the protests on social media.

Avon and Somerset Police said two people at each location were inside a vehicle blocking an entrance.

"They'd used equipment to lock or secure themselves inside the vehicle," they said.

"Officers attended both sites and engaged with the protestors. Specialist officers were then deployed to safely free them."

It continued: "We’re committed to facilitating people’s right to lawful protest, but we have a duty to balance these rights with those of other members of the public who are entitled to go about their lives without disruption."