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A police officer was taken to the hospital after being struck with a sledgehammer while responding to a violent incident at the Bristol headquarters of defence technology firm Elbit Systems on Bolingbroke Way in Patchway early this morning. The attack, which took place shortly before 4am, involved a group of individuals using a vehicle to ram the entrance of the facility.
Avon and Somerset Constabulary reported that the assailants assaulted both employees and police officers who intervened during the attack. Six individuals, aged between 20 and 30, were arrested on suspicion of various serious offences, including Section 18 wounding with intent, aggravated burglary, and criminal damage. The police also seized a range of weapons, including sledgehammers, axes, whips, and other homemade implements.
During the incident, two police officers were assaulted with a sledgehammer. One officer sustained injuries to her back and was subsequently taken to the hospital for treatment. She has since been discharged. The other officer received medical attention at the scene after being struck on the back of his legs. Additionally, an employee of Elbit Systems was treated by paramedics for a head injury.
Videos shared on social media by the campaign group Palestine Action showed individuals using tools to cut into the warehouse, damaging equipment inside the building, and spraying red paint on the premises. The group claims that their actions are aimed at disrupting arms sales to Israel, though Elbit Systems UK has categorically denied supplying weapons to the Israeli military.
Superintendent Deepak Kenth of Avon and Somerset Police condemned the attack, describing the actions of those involved as “disgraceful” and emphasizing that these were not protests but serious criminal offences. Police officers are mums, dads, uncles, aunties, brothers and sisters, like anyone else. They wear the uniform to protect the public. They come to work and they do not expect to be assaulted with weapons,” Supt Kenth said. He also confirmed that further arrests are expected in the coming hours and days.
A spokesperson for Elbit Systems UK Limited confirmed that a security guard had been injured during the attack and stated that the facility targeted was used for manufacturing vehicle training equipment for the British armed forces. Any claims that this facility supplies the Israeli military or Israeli Ministry of Defence are categorically false,” the spokesperson said. They added that the company would cooperate fully with authorities to ensure those responsible are held accountable.
Police investigations are ongoing, with officers continuing to examine CCTV footage, speak to witnesses, and analyze the vehicle used in the attack. The area remains cordoned off as forensic teams work at the scene.
