Palestinian activists truck into Leicester drone factory before protesters climb onto roof and fire red rockets

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

On Wednesday, protesters drove an HGV into the factory and covered the front of the building with red paint.

Another group of activists scaled the roof before ripping off parts and throwing materials into the factory below.

Participants fired red flares from the top of the building and held Palestinian flags.

One sign read: “#shutelbitdown.”

The factory has been a regular target for Palestine Action, with protesters reportedly ramming two cars into bollards in front of the building.

Writing on social media, the group said: “While one group smashed a lorry into the Elbit drone factory in Leicester, another scaled the roof of the building. Collectively, they SHUT DOWN the Israeli arms manufacturer.”

The protest was met with anger online, with some condemning the action.

Former Barrow MP Lord Walney said: “Defence industry sites are being criminally sabotaged today by the extreme Palestine Action group.

“Whatever your view of the conflict in Gaza, the terrorizing of UK defense workers can never be justified. These militants should not be able to cause mayhem as if they fear no consequences”.