"Leicester: Arrests after drone factory protest"

Three people have been arrested after a van was driven at a gate during a protest at a drone factory in Leicester.

Campaign group Palestine Action held a demonstration at UAV Tactical Systems in Meridian Way on Wednesday morning.

Leicestershire Police said several vehicles, including a police vehicle, were damaged during the protest.

A number of roads in the area were closed while officers dealt with the incident.

The force said three people aged 22, 27, and 60 were arrested on suspicion of public order offences and remained in custody.

UAV Tactical Systems is a subsidiary of Elbit Systems UK, which in turn is a subsidiary of Israel-based international defence electronics company Elbit Systems.

A spokesperson called the protest "highly irresponsible".

"We will work with the authorities to prosecute any person or group threatening the safety of our staff or their important work providing critical support to the British armed forces," they said.

"We are confident that our operations will continue unaffected."