A DRONE factory in Leicester was shut down today after three Palestine Action activists chained themselves to the gates to block access to the site. 

It was the second time that the Elbit UAV Tactical Systems site has been forced to close. An occupation of the site in May lasted six days, disrupting the production of killer drones used by Israeli forces in the repression of Palestinian resistance to occupation.

The Hermes 450 drones manufactured at Elbit’s Leicester factory have been deployed regularly in Israeli bombardments, surveillance and assaults targeting the Gaza Strip.

One of the activists occupying the site today had taken part in the May occupation, having been told last week that he would face no charges for that action.

The previous occupation was Palestine Action’s longest continuous action so far, with the protest continued by local residents who turned out in support. 

After police removed activists from the roof, protesters refused to allow police vans to leave by chaining the gates shut. Members of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) stood down after being asked to help open them again.

Elbit has been approached for comment.