Counter-terror police investigates drone factory protest
Six people have been charged with burglary and causing criminal damage
Counter-terrorism police are leading an investigation after a report that a van had driven into the gate of a drone factory in Leicestershire.
Six people have been charged with burglary and causing criminal damage after an incident at the premises in Meridian Way, Braunstone, just after 3am on Friday, Leicestershire Police said.
The business is understood to be drone factory, UAV Tactical Systems.
Israel-based defence firm Elbit Systems’ UK arm announced in January that it has fully acquired UAV Tactical Systems, which supplies uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) – otherwise known as drones.
Elbit Systems’ website states: “Over nearly two decades, UTACS (UAV Tactical Systems) has supplied dozens of advanced tactical uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) to the British Army as well as to international customers, including the United Nations and Nato member countries.”
Video shared online appears to show a person kicking in parts of a ceiling splattered with red paint.
The investigation is being led by Counter Terrorism Policing East Midlands with the support of Leicestershire Police, the force said.
Those charged are:
Peter Jones, 41, of Alderfen Way in Hoveton, Norwich
Michael Sackur, 28, of Maltings Place in Reading
Megan Kennard, 25, of Fircroft Avenue in Lancing, West Sussex
Seirol Davies, 31, of Godwin Road in Margate, Kent
Rhae Rivers, 39, of Godwin Road in Margate, Kent
Hal Hockney, 27, of Alkham Road in Hackney, London
The six people charged are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday (27 April).