Arrests at pro-Palestinian Leicester drone factory protest

Five pro-Palestinian protesters locked themselves to a van

Seven people have been arrested following a further protest at a drone factory in Leicester.

Protesters locked themselves to a van blocking the entrance of the Israeli-owned Elbit Systems subsidiary UAV Tactical Systems on Monday morning.

Members of campaign group Palestine Action occupied the factory roof for six days in May and held another demonstration in August.

Police said a small number of "peaceful protesters" remained during the day.

Officers went to the factory in Meridian Business Park following reports of people causing criminal damage at about 06:00 BST, Leicestershire Police said.

Two men were detained by security and subsequently arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and aggravated trespass.

A further five people - three men and two women - were detained on suspicion of aggravated trespass.

All seven have since been released on bail.

Police said they were monitoring the situation at the facility

Supt Adam Slonecki said: "We have a duty to facilitate lawful protest but criminal matters will be dealt with swiftly."

The Leicester facility builds unmanned aerial vehicles that the protesters allege were used in the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza.

On 21 May, a ceasefire was agreed, with both claiming victory.

It came after 11 days of fighting, which left at least 255 people dead.

It culminated in clashes at a holy site revered by both Muslims and Jews.

After warning Israel to withdraw, Hamas began firing rockets, triggering retaliatory air strikes.

Elbit said in a statement: "Elbit Systems UK and its UK-based subsidiary companies are proud to manufacture and supply equipment and technology that supports our UK Armed forces - work which significantly contributes to creating and sustaining local jobs and supports the UK economy."