TWO cops are being treated in hospital and six were injured after a pro-Palestinian protest at a Glasgow arms factory erupted into mayhem.
Four people were arrested as demonstrators blocked the entrance to French military electronics company Thales in Govan earlier this morning.
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Activists said they were protested Thales’ links with Israeli firm Elibit Systems who develop drones for the UK’s Ministry of Defence.
Police Scotland have confirmed tonight that six officers were injured, with one bitten on the arm – and four people were arrested.
Two officers were taken to the nearby Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, with one kept in for further assessment and the other released.
Three men and a woman were arrested and charged during the protest.
Three men aged 18, 28 and 29, and the woman, 21, will all be released on an undertaking to appear at court at a later date.
Tonight police chiefs have hit out “unacceptable level of hospitality and resistance” during the demonstration.
Chief Inspector Derrick Johnston said: “We have a legal duty to protect the rights of people who wish to peacefully protest as well as those affected by protest activity, however officers were met with an unacceptable level of hostility and resistance today.
“One of our officers was bitten, assaults are not part of the job and will not be tolerated.
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When policing any protest our priorities are to ensure the safety of protestors, the public and police officers involved as well as preventing criminal behaviour or disorder and deescalating tensions.
“We are committed to protecting the rights of people who wish to protest, however when this is not done peacefully, officers are required to maintain public order and will exercise their powers of arrest if necessary.”
We told earlier how officers swarmed the crowds of activists who appeared to enter the factory’s front gates to unfurl a banner as they try to move them on.
Crowds, who wore medical masks and traditional Palestinian scarves called Keffiyehs, were later seen tussling with cops as they attempt to display a banner reading “This Factory Arms Genocide.”
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The incident forms part of a nationwide day of action against firms linked to Israel on the 76th anniversary of its independence day, May 15, known as Nakba Day to Palestinians.
Cops were seen attempting to move the banner and bring the protest away from the security entrance.
Thales employs over 750 people in Scotland across two main sites in Glasgow and Rosyth, Fife, and said it invested over £140m in 2023 to the economy.
A company spokesperson said: “Thales is extremely proud of its role in helping to protect the UK and keep our armed forces safe.
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“Regarding exports, Thales adheres to the UK Government’s industry control system for overseas sales, one of the most rigorous and transparent of its kind in the world.
“While those outside our site in Glasgow have the right to protest peacefully, we will work with authorities to prosecute anyone who threatens our employees, our property or our important work for the UK armed forces.”
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