Three women charged over damage to Edinburgh Leonardo weapons factory in Israel protest

Three women have been arrested after attempting to “dismantle” the headquarters of an Edinburgh weapons manufacturer in a protest against the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Palestine Action claimed responsibility for “occupying” the roof of Leonardo UK over the firm’s links to designing components for Israeli fighter jets.

The group accused the company of having “blood on their hands” and demanded an “end to the arming” of Israeli forces as the death toll from the conflict reached more than 11,000 since the Hamas incursion on October 7.

Laser targeting systems fitted to F35 fighter jets are made at the Edinburgh factory.

Police removed the trio, aged 18, 21 and 22, after they scaled the roof at around 6.30am on Monday, November 13.

All three were later charged in connection with damage caused to the building.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We were made aware of three people on the roof of a building at Crewe Road North in Edinburgh around 6.30am on Monday, 13 November.

“Officers attended and they were removed from the premises.

“Three women, aged 22, 21 and 18, have been arrested and charged in connection with damage caused to the building.

“They are all expected to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date.”

A Leonardo Spokesperson said: “This morning a small group of protestors entered the Leonardo site in Edinburgh and were quickly removed.

Together with the authorities, we are keeping our people fully informed. “