Pro-Palestinian Protestors Arrested After 12-Hour Factory Roof Standoff

Strategic Insights -

Armed with bolt cutters and flares, four members of the Palestine Action Group clambered onto The Permoid factory, in Newton Aycliffe, to protest against the defence firm. Claiming Permoid Industries manufactures containers for weapons and ammunition used by the Israeli military, the group spent 12 hours on the factory roof, chanting "free Palestine" and waving Palestinian flags. Despite damage to the building, including smashed windows, doors, and machinery, no injuries were reported. The protest ended with the arrest of three women and one man on suspicion of criminal damage.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Palestine Action Group, a pro-Palestinian organization, targeted The Permoid factory in Newton Aycliffe, claiming it manufactures containers for Israeli military use.
  • The group spent 12 hours on the factory roof, armed with bolt cutters and flares, and used lit flares to send red and green smoke into the sky.
  • The group caused significant damage to the building, including smashed windows, doors, and machinery, as well as painting the word "Free Gaza" and "Pal Action" on the walls.
  • No injuries were reported during the incident, but three women and one man were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage.
  • Durham Police deployed drones and fire engines to monitor and bring down the protestors, who refused to leave the roof.
  • The incident is part of the group's ongoing campaign to disrupt UK-based companies involved in arms manufacturing or export to Israel.

Statistics:

  • 12 hours: The length of time the protestors spent on the factory roof.
  • 4 people: The number of protestors arrested on suspicion of criminal damage.
  • 11 police vehicles: The number of police vehicles on Horndale Avenue during the incident.
  • 1 clinical team leader, 1 duty officer, and 1 Hazardous Area Response Team crew: The number of responders dispatched by the North East Ambulance Service.
  • 5:30pm: The time at which the protestors came down from the roof.

Sources:

  • The Northern Echo
  • STUART BOULTON (via The Northern Echo)
  • UGC (via The Northern Echo)
  • Durham Police
  • North East Ambulance Service