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| Pro-Palestine protesters occupy Leicester drone factory | Pro-Palestine protesters occupy Leicester drone factory |
| (32 minutes later) | |
| The group claims it has disrupted production at the factory | The group claims it has disrupted production at the factory |
| Protesters have staged a vigil on the roof of a factory involved in building combat drones. | Protesters have staged a vigil on the roof of a factory involved in building combat drones. |
| A group called Palestine Action says it has occupied part of the Israeli-owned Elbit factory, UAV Tactical Systems at Meridian Business Park in Leicester. | |
| The facility builds unmanned aerial vehicles that the protesters allege have been used in recent conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. | The facility builds unmanned aerial vehicles that the protesters allege have been used in recent conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. |
| They say they have chained the gates shut and disrupted production. | They say they have chained the gates shut and disrupted production. |
| The action has been prompted by recent conflict in the Middle East | The action has been prompted by recent conflict in the Middle East |
| Escalating tensions in Gaza, Israel and the West Bank have recently turned into violence, with exchanges of rockets and air strikes resulting in more than 200 reported deaths. | Escalating tensions in Gaza, Israel and the West Bank have recently turned into violence, with exchanges of rockets and air strikes resulting in more than 200 reported deaths. |
| In a statement, Palestine Action said: "Today's action shows that it is entirely within our power to stop the production of brutal machinery which is fuelling war crimes in Palestine. | |
| "The past week has shown the relentless death and destruction that Israeli forces can and will inflict with UK-made munitions and military technology." | |
| Latest news and stories from the East Midlands | |
| Leicestershire Police have confirmed officers were called at 05:32 BST to Meridian Business Park. | |
| A spokesman said: "Officers attended, along with colleagues from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service. | |
| "A further group of protesters have since arrived on the ground. | |
| "Police remain at the scene and are attempting to engage with those on the roof." | |
| Elbit has also been approached for comment. | |
| Follow BBC East Midlands on Facebook, on Twitter, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk. | Follow BBC East Midlands on Facebook, on Twitter, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk. |