Six people were arrested during a protest at an Oldham factory after its owner won a £102m weapon technology contract with the British Army.
Earlier today (Monday) activists from Palestine Action and Extinction Rebellion threw red paint at the walls of the Israeli-owned Elbit Ferranti factory in Waterhead, chained the gates and displayed banners condemning what they called ‘systematic misjustice’.
Police have now said six people, aged between 20 and 40, have been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and aggravated trespass.
They remain in custody for questioning.
Greenacres Road was closed for a time as the protest was held.
Demonstrators chained the gates and two people climbed onto a ledge on the front of the factory early on Monday morning, where they daubed red paint over the windows and sprayed the words ‘Shut Elbit Down’.
The protest comes weeks after the Ministry of Defence confirmed that Elbit had won a contract for new ‘sensor to shoot’ systems.
The British Army has invested £102 million in the high-end surveillance system, which allows frontline soldiers to detect and engage enemy targets in seconds.
A member of Palestine Action told the PA news agency: “This action is the first of its kind, and the first of many more to come – ordinary people coming together to build a movement of movements.
“We will continue to take direct action until we shut Elbit down and end all complicity in systematic injustice.”
The Manchester Evening News has attempted to get in touch with Elbit Systems however has been unable to get through to anyone from the company.
When approached by PA, a company spokesman said they will not be commenting on the situation.
