Pro-Palestine activists arrested after factory targeted

Activist group Palestine Action claimed responsibility for the stunt

Three women have been arrested after pro-Palestinian activists allegedly rammed a van through the gates of a factory.

The activist group Palestine Action claimed responsibility for the stunt, at a premises in Bromborough, Wirral.

Merseyside Police said the women had been conditionally bailed after being questioned.

Palestine Action said on social media it was targeting the defence firm Teledyne CML Composites, which it claimed was involved in making parts for Israeli fighter planes.

In a video shared by the group, red paint appeared to have been thrown around the site.

A woman can be heard saying factory workers had left for the day.

Merseyside Police said its officers had been called to Tebay Road at about 04:45 BST on Thursday to reports a vehicle had struck the gates and people had entered factory grounds.

The force said a 30-year-old woman from Hackney, London, had been arrested on suspicion of aggravated trespass, criminal damage, possession of an offensive weapon and dangerous driving.

A 40-year-old woman from Toxteth, Liverpool, was arrested on suspicion of aggravated trespass, going equipped for criminal damage, and possession of an offensive weapon.

A 20-year-old woman from Aigburth, Liverpool, was also arrested on suspicion of aggravated trespass and criminal damage.