Pro-Palestine protestors clash with cops outside Glasgow factory as 'number of arrests made'

Pro-Palestine protestors have clashed with cops outside a Glasgow factory with a 'number of arrests' made.

Police first raced out to Thales in Govan at 5am this morning with demonstrators gathering within the grounds of the Linthouse Road site and blocking the entrance.

The factory has been targeted as part of calls for a ceasefire between Israel and Palestine.

It is understood that Thales help supply parts for the Watchkeeper drone which is used by the Israeli military. The drone has made in collaboration with Israel's Elbit Systems.

Dozens of cops have been captured dealing with the large crowd who have unfurled banners at the entrance to the workplace.

Pictures from the scene have shown demonstrators and police clashing outside the factory amidst rising tension.

One image shows an officer appear to be dragging a demonstrator away from a police car, whilst another image shows a man wearing a green top being grappled by a policeman.

Another image shows several cops wrestling with a man who is on the ground next to a police van.

The demonstration comes on the 76th anniversary of the Nakba which was the displacement of Palestinian people in the 1948 war which established the state of Israel.

Protestors have held up signs calling for the end to the conflict in Gaza.

One banner that was held up, reads: "Stop arming Israel."

Police have confirmed that they are still at the scene of the protests.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Around 5.05am on Wednesday, 15 May, 2024 police were called to a report of a demonstration within the grounds of a business premises on Linthouse Road, Govan, Glasgow.

"Officers are in attendance and a number of arrests have been made."

A Thales spokesman said: "Thales is extremely proud of its role in helping to protect the UK and keep our armed forces safe. Regarding exports, Thales adheres to the UK Government’s industry control system for overseas sales, one of the most rigorous and transparent of its kind in the world.

"While those outside our site in Glasgow have the right to protest peacefully, we will work with authorities to prosecute anyone who threatens our employees, our property or our important work for the UK armed forces."

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