News / Crime
Six arrested and police officer hospitalised after activists attack arms firm
Six people have been arrested after Tuesday morning’s attack on Elbit Systems.
A prison van was driven through the perimeter fencing at around 4am and used to ram into the entrance of the premises on Bolingbroke Way in Filton.
More than a dozen activists from Palestine Action got out of the van and smashed as much as they could inside the Israeli-owned arms manufacturer’s site; leaving behind sledgehammers, axes, whips and other homemade weapons.
is needed now More than ever
Police say that two officers were assaulted with a sledgehammer with one taken to hospital with injuries to her back, while the other officer received medical treatment at the scene by paramedics after being struck on the back of his legs.
At least one Elbit employee was also treated at the scene for an injury to their head.
In a statement, Avon & Somerset Police superintendent Paul Wigginton said: “There is no justification whatsoever for what happened and those responsible will face severe consequences.
“Enquiries are continuing at the premises and the vehicle used to gain entry to the site along with the weapons recovered will be forensically analysed soon. A full review of CCTV cameras from the area is also underway.”
He added: “The officers who responded to what was initially a report of a burglary demonstrated great courage when faced with offenders armed with weapons.
“It is a sad fact that officers now expect to face acts of violence as they respond to crimes in action and protect the public.
“This is completely unacceptable and anyone responsible for such shameful behaviour can expect to go to prison.”
Activists from Palestine Action damaged the contents inside Elbit Systems including machinery and quadcopter drones – photo: Palestine Action
A spokesperson for Palestine Action, who have admitted responsibility for the attack, said: “Israel’s biggest weapons producer, Elbit Systems, uses Gaza as a laboratory to develop its weaponry.
“Activists directly intervened in this genocidal process by taking aim at Elbit’s research, development and manufacturing hub.
“As a party to the Genocide Convention, Britain has a responsibility to prevent the occurrence of genocide.
“When our government fails to abide by their legal and moral obligations, it’s the responsibility of ordinary people to take direct action.”
Palestine Action was one of the groups responsible for smashing the windows of Barclays in Broadmead in June.
Main photo: Palestine Action
Read next:
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
