Teenager held after rooftop Palestine protest at factory

A TEENAGER from Burton was arrested at a pro-palestine protest on the roof of an arms factory.

The 19-year-old was arrested on suspicion of aggravated trespass and released on police bail pending further investigations.

It comes after Palestine Action’s second protest at an Israeli-owned facility in Leicester on Tuesday.

The factory is owned by Israeli-based defence company, Elbit Systems, which is “engaged in a wide range of defence, homeland security and commercial programmes”, according to its website.

A spokesperson for Leicestershire Police said: “At 4.20am [on Tuesday] officers received a report that protestors had chained themselves to the gates of a building at Meridian Business Park.

“Officers and East Midlands Ambulance Service attended the scene. Two men, 28 and 58, both of Leicester, and a 19-year-old man from Burton-on-trent were arrested for aggravated trespass.

“Later, further protesters arrived and officers facilitated a brief peaceful protest outside the building before the protestors left the scene.

“The three men have since been released on police bail pending further enquiries.”

Speaking to Leicstershirelive, an

Elbit Systems UK spokesperson said: “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.”