PALESTINE activists stormed and shut down an Israeli-owned drone factory in Leicestershire today, vowing to stay there until the site is closed for good.

Campaigners chained themselves to a van, blocking the entrance to the factory, while others broke into the building and occupied it at 6.30am.

The activists, including Nigerian-born playwright, actor and singer Tayo Aluko, appealed to the people of Leicester to join them at the UAV Tactical Systems factory gates — both as part of the protest and as witnesses to any police action taken against them.

They are preventing the manufacture of Elbit’s Hermes/Watchkeeper drones, which are sold to the Israeli military and abroad after being “battle-tested” on Palestinians.

A Palestine Action statement said: “We’re back at Elbit’s factory in Leicester, where in May 2021 we occupied the roof and brought out huge numbers from the community. 

“This time, we’re here to stay. In January, we permanently closed the first of Elbit’s sites in Britain — we’re not stopping at one. 

“Elbit runs a killer trade of drones, chemical weapons and munitions. 

“With support from communities like Leicester, Palestine Action will continue opposing it through direct action until Elbit are out of Britain for good.

“Five activists are locked to a van, while others have stormed the premises.

“This action is part of our sustained attack on Elbit Systems, Israel’s largest weapons manufacturer, with premises up and down the UK.”

The group appealed for “as much local support and visibility as possible.”

UAV in Leicester is one of four remaining Elbit factories in the UK.