Leicestershire: Three charged after protests at buildings

Police were initially called to UAV Tactical Systems in Meridian Way, Braunstone

Three people have been charged following pro-Palestinian protests at buildings in Leicestershire.

Leicestershire Police said officers were called to drone factory UAV Tactical Systems in Braunstone at 06:54 BST on Thursday after reports of protesters attacking staff.

However, no serious injuries have been reported.

Two women and a man have now been charged with offences under the Public Order Act 2023.

A 26-year-old woman, from Cardiff, is charged with going equipped to lock on under Section 2 of the Public Order Act 2023.

A 62-year-old woman, from Frome, Somerset, is charged with going equipped to lock on under Section 2 of the Public Order Act 2023.

Meanwhile, a 27-year-old man, from Cambridge, is charged with locking on under Section 1 of the Public Order Act 2023.

All three are due to appear at Leicester Magistrates' Court on 10 November.

Police also received a report on Thursday at 07:30 that two people were on the roof of an adjacent building. They were later brought down.

A 25-year-old man and 27-year-old woman who were arrested in connection with this incident have been released on bail, police added.

A van was driven at a gate during a previous protest

UAV Tactical Systems is a subsidiary of Elbit Systems UK, which in turn is a subsidiary of Israel-based international defence electronics company Elbit Systems.

A spokesperson for UAV Tactical Systems told the BBC on Thursday: "We will work with the authorities to prosecute any person or group threatening the safety of our staff or their important work."

The arrests follow previous arrests at the same premises a week before, when a van was driven at a gate.

Two people were later charged with numerous offences including common assault and causing criminal damage.