Twelve pro-Palestinian protesters from London Palestine Action are in their second day of a rooftop protest at UAV Engines in Lichfield, Staffordshire. The group scaled the factory at 5am on Tuesday, forcing its closure. The factory, a subsidiary of Israeli defence contractor Elbit, manufactures engines for tactical UAVs, target drones, and single mission platforms.
Police arrested a man on Wednesday morning on suspicion of aggravated trespass following negotiations. Chief Inspector Jane Hewett of Staffordshire Police stated that officers are maintaining order and ensuring safety, with police negotiators working to resolve the incident peacefully.
Protesters have draped a banner reading "UK: Stop arming Israel" over the building and have been reading out names of those killed in Gaza. Sammy, a 26-year-old protester, said the group aims to stop the company from producing engines used in weapons that kill civilians. He added that the UK government's inaction prompted the protest.
The road to the village housing the factory has been closed. Police are investigating how the protesters accessed the roof, describing the action as an organised and planned protest.
