Three arrests have been made after protesters climbed on the roof of a defence firm's factory in Southampton.
Two men and a woman were escorted away by police after "occupying" the site of Leonardo UK's Southampton factory in Millbrook this morning.
Campaign group, Palestine Action, organised the protest which relates to the Italian defence technology firm's alleged ties with Israel.
A 28-year-old man from Cambridge and a 68-year-old woman from Norwich have been held on suspicion of aggravated trespass and criminal damage.
Details on the second man arrested are yet to be revealed.
A police spokesperson said: "We have arrested three people in connection with protest activity in Southampton this morning (Wednesday 16 November).
"We were called at 6.55am to a report of a protest taking place on the roof of a building on First Avenue in Southampton.
"Officers attended with our colleagues from other emergency services to monitor the situation and ensure the safety of those involved. We have also been in communication with the owners of the premises.
"Damage has been caused to the roof of the building and is being assessed.
"We have arrested a 28-year-old man from Cambridge, a 68-year-old woman from Norwich and a second man on suspicion of aggravated trespass and criminal damage.
"Everyone has the right to free speech and peaceful protest however, officers will take necessary action against those who choose to act outside the law."
Firefighters and paramedics were also at the scene to support police.
In a statement, the pro-Palestinian group said: "Early on Thursday morning, Palestine Action scaled the Leonardo UK weapons factory in Southampton and occupied the rooftop, shutting down production at the site.
"Activists are now in a prime position and have begun dismantling the building.
"The activists intend to sustain their occupation of the arms factory at First Avenue, Millbrook Industrial Estate, Southampton, for as long as possible to maximise disruption to the deadly arms industry which supplies Israel."
Leonardo UK's Southampton factory houses around 400 staff.
It manufactures InfraRed (IR) detectors and Thermal Imaging (TI) sensors which play "a crucial role in supporting military, security and civil clients".
A company spokesperson said: “This morning a small group of protestors entered the Leonardo site in Southampton and were removed by police. Together with the authorities, we are keeping our people fully informed.”
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