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Protesters mount rooftop vigil at Instro Precision in Broadstairs to highlight Israel drone strikes

Protesters have mounted the roof of a Broadstairs firm to condemn alleged Israeli drone strikes in Gaza.

The campaigners targeted Instro Precision Ltd on the Pysons Road Industrial Estate to highlight an alleged connection between the firm's parent company and Israeli drone strikes in battle-torn Gaza.

Banners have been mounted on the building, and a woman is alleged to have tied herself to the gates of the firm with a D lock.

Protesters at the Instro Precision site in Broadstairs in February. Picture: Raimo Kangasniemi
Protesters at the Instro Precision site in Broadstairs in February. Picture: Raimo Kangasniemi
Protesters have mounted the roof in protest at Israeli drone strikes
Protesters have mounted the roof in protest at Israeli drone strikes

A spokesman said Instro Precision was a wholly-owned subsidiary of a firm Elbit, which, he claimed, manufactured drones or drone parts allegedly used in attacks on Gaza and other war-torn areas.

Four protesters are believed to be on the roof of the compound, while others wait with leaflets for the workers to arrive.

Instro's website describes itself as "one of the leading suppliers and system integrators of support equipment for military and commercial electro-optical sensors in the world today."

It says it employs more than 70 people at its 18,500sq ft site.

It adds: "Instro has supplied many thousands of tripods and angulation heads into active military service in over 50 countries around the world."

Police have been called out to the protest. Picture: Raimo Kangasniemi
Police have been called out to the protest. Picture: Raimo Kangasniemi

A police spokesman said: "Kent Police is currently monitoring a reported protest taking place at the Pysons Road Industrial Estate in Broadstairs.

"As with all such events, the primary role of Kent Police is to facilitate peaceful protest, which is lawful, whilst also ensuring public safety and minimising any disruption.

"Resources will be deployed as necessary and appropriate."

A Palestinian flag has been placed on the roof of the building
A Palestinian flag has been placed on the roof of the building
Police keep watch at the Instro site in February. Picture: Brighton BDS
Police keep watch at the Instro site in February. Picture: Brighton BDS

It follows a similar recent protest in Shenstone, Staffordshire last August.

Nine people were arrested after the protest at UAV Engines.

They were demanding the factory stops providing parts for drones used by the Israeli army in the Gaza conflict.

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