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Palestine Action group protesters break into Instro Precision weapons factory at Sandwich Discovery Park

07:56, 17 June 2024

updated: 17:26, 17 June 2024

Pro-Palestine protestors have stormed a weapons factory in Kent, forcing their way into a highly secure business park and “dismantling” the site.

Palestine Action broke into the Instro Precision factory at Sandwich Discovery Park in the early hours of this morning, seeking to cause damage to any business it believes is aiding Israel.

In footage recorded by the group, a handful of rogues wearing orange jumpsuits can be seen gaining access to the building after smashing a door window with a hammer.

Wielding a crowbar, the videographer later uses the weapon to damage computers and items on the production belt.

Protestors have stormed into the Instro Precision factory in Sandwich. Picture: Palestine Action
Protestors have stormed into the Instro Precision factory in Sandwich. Picture: Palestine Action

Before this, tens of activists cut through three security fences in the early hours, breaching the high-security premises at the park.

Some also laid stinger spike strips at the roads leading to the factory to prevent any vehicles from entering.

Computers were left damaged by the raid at Instro Precision. Picture: Palestine Action
Computers were left damaged by the raid at Instro Precision. Picture: Palestine Action

The group says it is “dismantling technology, machinery and parts used to produce weapons of war in a bid to prevent the export of arms to Gaza”.

The group refers to itself as a “direct-action network of groups and individuals formed with the mandate of taking action against the sites of Elbit Systems and other companies complicit in Israeli apartheid, calling for all such sites to be shut down”.

The group says it wants to see all businesses aiding Israel in Gaza affected, including Instro Precision in Sandwich. Picture: Palestine Action
The group says it wants to see all businesses aiding Israel in Gaza affected, including Instro Precision in Sandwich. Picture: Palestine Action

Manufacturing military-grade electro-optical equipment, Palestine Action says Instro is a major exporter to Israel and its products are likely to be used in ground operations in Gaza.

It is believed the firm has been granted more than 50 export licences for its ML5 category weapons sight and target acquisition products over the past five years.

A police spokesperson confirmed seven people had been arrested, saying: “Kent Police was called to a report of a protest at Discovery Park, Sandwich shortly before 3.30am on Monday June 17.

“Officers are currently at the scene and seven people have been arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary. They have been taken into custody and an investigation into the incident is underway.”

An Instro Precision spokesperson says it is “highly irresponsible” to sabotage its work during a period of global instability.

“We condemn this illegal and violent action and will work with the authorities to prosecute any person or group threatening the safety of our staff or their important work,” they said.

“This facility is designed to meet the requirements of the UK armed forces and in particular support the British Army with a range of state-of-the-art electro-optics and night vision systems.”

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