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Protesters climb on top of arms factory gatehouse

Jonny Manning
BBC News, North East and Cumbria
BBC Two female protesters wearing red jumpsuits on the gatehouse of the Armstrong Works building. Red paint has been splashed up the factory's signs. A pile of rubble has been placed in front of the gate. Three police cars and several police officers stand outside the factory.BBC
Protesters climbed onto the gatehouse at Armstrong Works and blocked the entrance to the factory

Six people have been arrested after a protest at an Israeli-owned arms factory.

Protesters from Palestine Action climbed onto the gatehouse of Armstrong Works on Newcastle's Scotswood Road and dumped rubble in front of the building's gates to prevent access.

Northumbria Police said it was informed of the protest at about 05:20 GMT and sent officers to the scene.

Five women – aged 20, 21, 24, 27, 28 – and a 20-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to cause a public nuisance, the force said.

Pictures from the scene show the protesters standing on the gatehouse after covering the sign for Armstrong Works, which houses Pearson Engineering, in red paint.

They also unfurled a banner which read: "This factory kills kids."

Pearson Engineering was bought by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, which is an Israeli defence technology company, in 2022.

The two protesters on the gatehouse of Armstrong Works. They are holding a sign which reads, this factory kills kids. A police van is parked outside the building.
The protesters object to Israeli-owned Pearson Engineering operating in Newcastle

A Palestine Action spokesperson said: "The Israeli government owning a weapons factory in Newcastle is a stain on the whole community.

"We put Rafael on notice, that we will shut them down at every opportunity. Each hour of production lost means less lives taken."

Pearson has previously said "no equipment designed or made by Pearson Engineering is being used in the Gaza conflict" and it is currently providing mine-clearing equipment to Ukraine.

Palestine Action previously occupied the roof of the factory in September 2023.

Two protesters admitted causing criminal damage after a court heard they caused £157,000 damage to the site. They were given suspended prison terms.

Smaller protests have since taken place at the factory, including in March 2024.

Pearson has been contacted about the latest protest.

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