Palestine protesters SHUT DOWN BAE Systems in Kent as hundreds of activists block entrances
Multiple entrances to the factory have been blocked off
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Hundreds of pro-Palestine activists have blocked the entrances to a BAE systems factory in Rochester, Kent, accusing the company of supplying arms to Israel.
Workers for a Free Palestine claimed: "Hundreds are blockading a BAE Systems factory in Rochester, England.
"BAE Systems produces the of Israel's F-35 fighter jets, currently being used by Israel to bombard Gaza.
"The targeting systems used by pilots is made by BAE Systems Rochester. Today we have shut it down!"
A crowd of more than 50 protesters holding banners gathered on Marconi Way at 6.30am this morning
A crowd of more than 50 protesters holding banners gathered on Marconi Way at 6.30am this morning.
Police officers are said to be at the scene with two patrol cars in attendance.
The defence, aerospace and security company is classed as a Ministry of Defence site and is one of the county’s biggest employers.
A BAE spokesperson said: "We're horrified by the situation in Israel and Gaza and the devastating impact it's having on civilians in the region and we hope it can be resolved as soon as possible.
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"We respect everyone's right to protest peacefully. We operate under the tightest regulation and comply fully with all applicable defence export controls, which are subject to ongoing assessment."
It comes just a day after protesters locked themselves together and set off red smoke flares after throwing paint outside the offices of a defence company in London.
Earlier this week, the Barcelona port stevedores' union refused to load or unload any military material, while in late October, Belgian transport workers' unions called on their members not handle military equipment being sent to Israel.
Protesters locked themselves together and set off red smoke flares after throwing paint outside the offices of a defence company in London
X/ Palestine ActionTensions have been growing ahead of Saturday when thousands of pro-Palestine protesters are expected to take to the streets of London on Armistice Day.
The Metropolitan Police is said to have drafted in an extra thousand officers amid fears of clashes.
Britain's most senior police officer, Sir Mark Rowley rejected calls to ban pro-Palestine rallies on Armistice Day - stating he legally had "no power" to stop it.