Disturbing sledgehammer attack on police during prison van ram raid

Harrowing footage of a defence firm in Bristol being raided on Tuesday, August 6 by sledgehammer-wielding activists has been shared online.

A video supplied by Palestine Action shows a van being smashed through the fence of Elbit Systems UK's Horizon facility, off Bolingbrooke Way shortly before 4am.

Avon and Somerset Police said the individuals then disembarked from the vehicle, when they started attacking the building.

Employees of the facility tried to wield off the attackers, but were assaulted with weapons, with one person allegedly suffering a head injury.

Two police officers were also attacked with sledgehammers, and one officer was taken to hospital with their injuries, with another treated at the scene by paramedics.

The sledgehammers, axes, whips and homemade weapons used by the attackers were seized by police at the scene.

According to Palestine Action, the vehicle used to smash into the building was a prison van, followed by drones and red paint.

Elbit Systems UK claim that nothing it manufactures goes to the Israeli Defence Force (IDF), and they say they provide equipment to the British Military.

Six people were arrested following the ram raid, but police officers are keen to locate the other attackers who fled the scene.

Superintendent Paul Wigginton said: “This is a disturbing incident involving people willing to use significant violence against anyone who got in their way as they targeted this business. The criminal damage is bad enough but to attack people with weapons is outrageous.

“Some of those involved were able to flee the scene but detectives are already working hard to bring them into custody. There is no justification whatsoever for what happened and those responsible will face severe consequences.

“Enquiries are continuing at the premises and the vehicle used to gain entry to the site along with the weapons recovered will be forensically analysed soon. A full review of CCTV cameras from the area is also underway.”

He continued: “The officers who responded to what was initially a report of a burglary demonstrated great courage when faced with offenders armed with weapons. The Chief Constable has visited the officer who was taken to hospital and while she continues to receive treatment, thankfully her injuries are not serious.

“It is a sad fact that officers now expect to face acts of violence as they respond to crimes in action and protect the public. This is completely unacceptable and anyone responsible for such shameful behaviour can expect to go to prison.”

A Palestine Action spokesperson said: "Israel's biggest weapons producer, Elbit Systems, uses Gaza as a laboratory to develop it's weaponry. Activists directly intervened in this genocidal process by taking aim at Elbit's research, development and manufacturing hub.

"Britain has a responsibility to prevent the occurrence of genocide. When our government fails to abide by their legal and moral obligations, it's the responsibility of ordinary people to take direct action."