Two arrests after UAV protestors scale Shenstone factory and 'hurl bricks from roof'

A 26-year-old man and woman have been arrested after protestors scaled a factory and hurled bricks at a roof. Palestine Action activists carried out the protest on UAV Engines Ltd in Shenstone yesterday, November 28.

It was the third protest the activist group carried out at the Lynn Lane site in Staffordshire this week. Staffordshire Police said the man and woman were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage.

A spokesperson for Staffordshire Police said: "Two people have been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage following protest activity in Shenstone. At around 4.30am (Thursday 28 November), we were called to an address on Lynn Lane following reports of two men on the roof of a building.

READ MORE: Protestors hurl bricks onto Shenstone factory roof during third protest this week

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"A number of people also arrived and began engaging in a peaceful protest. Officers were deployed to ensure the safety of employees, members of the community and protestors at the site. This includes reducing the risk of injury of all those involved.

"A 26-year-old woman, from London, and a 26-year-old man, from the Stafford area, have both been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage.

"They remain in custody. Officers will continue to facilitate the right to a peaceful protest but will act against those who engage in criminal activity."

In an update the spokesperson added: "Two people arrested on suspicion of criminal damage following protest activity in Shenstone yesterday, (Thursday 28 November) have been released on conditional police bail."

Palestine Action has carried out protests at the factory, which is owned by Elbit Systems Ltd, for a number of years as it claims the company makes 'parts used in Israeli combat drones'. UAV Engines Limited categorically denies it.

The spokesperson said on Monday: "While the company denies it exports to Israel, export license data for military end-use by the State of Israel proves their denials false."

A UAV Engines Ltd spokesperson previously said in June: "The accusation that UAV Engines Limited are exporting engines to Israel for use by the Israeli military is categorically false. This is misinformation propagated by a group attempting to illegally prevent a lawful UK business from operating.

"UAV Engines Limited proudly offers engineering excellence, with locally designed and produced engines built by experienced and long-serving staff delivered to the UK armed forces and to customers around the world."