POLICE used a JCB digger to remove a Palestine activist from a building when a company supplying an Israeli-owned British arms manufacturer with equipment was occupied and blockaded today.

A witness said the female activist resisted removal three times before she was finally removed from a ledge above a door to the building.

The Palestine Action activist was one of a team which targeted the offices of Technology firm CDW UK in Manchester.

The company, which operates in 170 countries and employs 13,000 workers worldwide, supplies computer technology to Elbit Systems, Israel’s biggest arms manufacturer.

Elbit has four factories in Britain manufacturing military drones, pilotless aircraft and other weapons, which it supplies to Israel.

An eye-witness to the JCB incident said: “Firefighters’ union policy is that firefighters should refuse to get involved in such incidents so police brought in a JCB digger and driver to get her down.

“She refused three times but then they got her.”

Palestine Action said in a statement: “Elbit Systems, Israel’s largest weapons company, are facilitated in their British presence by support from CDW’s software and technology services.

“And so, as part of a nationwide campaign against complicity in Israeli atrocities, activists have used a vehicle and lock-on device to blockade the back entrance while one is occupying the ledge at the building’s entry.”

The group said that last week activists caused £1 million in damage when they occupied another Elbit Systems supplier, GRiD Defence Systems in High Wycombe.

“Palestine Action will continue to target all those who facilitate Elbit until they declare they’ve cut all ties,” Palestine Action said.