Full Breakdown
Six Activists Charged After Break-In at UK Elbit Drone Factory
4/26/2026, 6:36:26 AM
Break-In at UAV Tactical Systems Facility
At 03:10 BST on Friday, a van smashed the gates of the UAV Tactical Systems plant in Braunstone, Leicestershire. Six individuals cut a roof opening, abseiled inside and damaged equipment before police arrived. All six were arrested and later charged with burglary and criminal damage.
Background: Elbit Systems and UK Pro-Palestine Protests
UAV Tactical Systems is owned by Israeli defence firm Elbit Systems, which supplies about 85 percent of Israel’s drones and land-based weapons. The firm has faced repeated UK pro-Palestine protests, especially after the October 7 Gaza conflict that has caused at least 984 civilian deaths.
Key Figures & Groups
Peter Jones, Michael Sackur, Megan Kennard, Seirol Davies, Rhae Rivers and Hal Hockney are members of People Against Genocide. Counter Terrorism Policing East Midlands leads the investigation with Leicestershire Police.
Timeline
- 03:10 BST (Friday): Van breaches gate.
- Minutes later: Roof cut, activists abseil, spray-paint slogans.
- 03:15 BST: Police dispatched.
- Later Friday: Six detained on suspicion of burglary, criminal damage; two also on conspiracy suspicion.
- Saturday: Charges confirmed.
- Monday: Appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.
Data & Statistics
Six people face one count each of burglary and criminal damage; one also faces a conspiracy suspicion. Elbit supplies roughly 85 percent of Israel’s drone fleet. The Gaza war has killed at least 984 civilians.
Official Statements & Responses
Leicestershire Police said they support the right to peaceful protest but will act against any criminal damage. Counter Terrorism Policing East Midlands confirmed it is leading the probe.
Criticism & Opposition
People Against Genocide argued the raid was a protest against the UK’s support for Israel’s Gaza war, condemning the government’s role in what they described as genocide.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
BBC reports list burglary and criminal damage for all six suspects, while New Arab adds an assault charge on an emergency worker for one individual and notes conspiracy suspicions for two. The driver of the van and whether any participants entered without using the roof remain unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are sick and tired of our government’s collaboration in this genocide that Israel is committing on the Palestinian people,” — Unnamed People Against Genocide activist
- “We know that genocide has no place in this world - so that’s why we’re here to shut Elbit down,” — Unnamed People Against Genocide activist
- “Police continue to support the right to peacefully protest but we will also continue to take immediate action where reports of anyone seeking to commit crime or damage to property are made,” — Leicestershire Police, statement
- “damage the inside whilst continuing to occupy the site.” — People Against Genocide Instagram post
What’s Next
The six defendants will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday, where burglary and criminal-damage charges will be entered. Counter Terrorism Policing East Midlands says the probe remains open and may pursue further conspiracy investigations.
