Three pro-Palestine protesters occupied the roof of a factory in Southampton this morning as they used rubber mallets to smash up the building.
In a statement online the group Palestine Action said: "Actionists occupy the roof of Leonardo’s arms factory in Southampton, halting the production of weaponry used to target and massacre the Palestinian people.
"They SHUT IT DOWN for Palestine."
Palestine Action describes itself on its website as a group that takes "direct action against Israel's arms trade in Britain".
Protesters accessed the roof of the Southampton factory
Palestine Action/X
In a post on social media, the group said: "Producers of targeting systems for missiles are forced to leave Leonardo’s weapons factory, as we SHUT IT DOWN for Palestine."
In the video, one of the protesters can be heard saying: "People in this country don't want it.
"Everybody join us and do everything you can to stop this stuff."
Hampshire police has been contacted for a comment.
One of the protesters urged people to join them
X/Twitter
A spokesperson from Hampshire police said: "We have arrested three people in connection with protest activity in Southampton this morning, Thursday, November 16. We were called at 6.55am to a report of a protest taking place on the roof of a building on First Avenue in Southampton.
"Officers attended with our colleagues from other emergency services to monitor the situation and ensure the safety of those involved. We have also been in communication with the owners of the premises.
"Damage has been caused to the roof of the building and is being assessed.We have arrested a 28-year-old man from Cambridge, a 68-year-old woman from Norwich and a second man on suspicion of aggravated trespass and criminal damage.
"Everyone has the right to free speech and peaceful protest however, officers will take necessary action against those who choose to act outside the law."
It comes as the group targeted One Eagle Place in Piccadilly earlier this month, home to the offices of Leonardo UK.
The group have previously accused the company of being "suppliers of weaponry for Israel's fighter jets".
The group threw red paint over its entrance and covered it in graffiti.
Messages on the building included "free Palestine", "free Gaza", and "terrorists".
