Pro-Palestine activists wreck machinery at aerospace factory in East Lothian

Police are investigating after pro-Palestine protesters broke into a factory in East Lothian early on New Year’s Day and wrecked machinery with hammers.

The break-in happened at Bruntons Aero Products’ site at Inveresk Industrial Park in Musselburgh around 12.35am on Thursday morning.

Footage of the incident on social media appears to show the activists using weapons to smash up machinery and equipment.

It also shows them letting off fire extinguishers and writing slogans in red paint.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 12.35am on Thursday, 1 January, 2026, officers received a report of a break-in and damage at a premises on Eskmills Road, Musselburgh.

“Enquiries are ongoing.”

Bruntons Aero Products supplies specialist aerospace parts for firms such as BAE Systems and Leonardo.

Leonardo UK’s site in Edinburgh has been targeted by demonstrators in recent months.

Bruntons Aero Products has been contacted for comment.