Arrests after gates damaged at drone factory protest

Police were called to UAV Tactical Systems early on Wednesday

Seven people have been arrested after a van damaged fences during a protest at a drone factory in Leicestershire.

Police were called to UAV Tactical Systems Ltd (U-TacS) site in Meridian Business Park, Braunstone Town, shortly after 05:30 BST on Wednesday.

A number of people had entered the site and climbed on to the roof of the factory, officers said.

Six people were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage, with a seventh arrested for public order offences.

Protesters have targeted the facility on a number of previous occasions in recent years.

A Leicestershire Police spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "At 05:36 today it was reported to police that a van had collided with the gates of a premises at the Meridian Business Park.

"A number of protestors had then entered into the site and climbed onto the roof of the building and onto the roof of the van.

"Six people have been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and one person has been arrested for public order offences.

"All remain in police custody. Officers remain at the scene as evidence continues to be gathered and inquiries continue."

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

Israel-based Elbit Systems makes drones used by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

However, a UAV Tactical Systems spokesperson said the UK subsidiary was involved in the production of drones for the British Army and did not supply the Israeli military.