Police have closed multiple roads as a group of Pro-Palestine demonstrators gathered at a drone facility and reportedly secured themselves to the roof of a van.
Authorities in Leicestershire received a call just before 5:15 am today regarding the incident at UAV Tactical Systems in Braunstone Town. Law enforcement officials discovered that a van had purportedly been deliberately driven into bollards outside the factory. Individuals were said to have locked themselves onto the top of the van and onto a fence.
A 24-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of being prepared for locking on, which involves securing oneself to structures. She is currently in police custody, and officers are on-site managing the situation.
Due to the incident, all routes near the business park have been shut to the public, including the closure of Meridian East to Centurion Way. A significant area around Meridian East and Blue Bell Wood is also impacted, prompting drivers to find alternate routes.
Residents reported seeing smoke emanating from the site around 7 am, although the source of the smoke remains unknown. The Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service have been observed at the scene.
The group People Against Genocide, identifying as a pro-Palestine direct action organization, has taken responsibility for the morning’s protests.
In a statement, the group alleged that UAV Tactical Systems’ main shareholder, Elbit Systems, is the largest weapons manufacturer in Israel. Conversely, a spokesperson for UAV Tactical Systems (U-TacS) clarified last year that the company does not supply the Israeli military or Ministry of Defence.
Leicestershire Police issued a statement confirming the incident involving individuals locking themselves onto the van and a nearby fence. The police emphasized supporting peaceful protests but stated they would promptly address any criminal activities or property damage.
The UAV factory has been the subject of protests on multiple occasions in recent years. In May, the Leicester Palestine Solidarity Campaign, in conjunction with other groups, organized a procession resembling a funeral as factory employees finished their workday.