Large police presence at factory in Govan as activists scale roof and 'damage property'

We previously reported that the Thales UK Ltd facility in Govan had been forced to evacuate and halt operations due to Palestine Action Scotland activists.

A team of around six, dressed in red, made their way onto the roof of the building in the early hours of this morning with Palestine flags. 

Police first spotted the protestors at 6.25am, and officers remain at the scene with them. 

READ MORE: Glasgow factory evacuated after activists storm roof and 'destroy equipment'

The activists say they have dismantled and destroyed factory equipment and facilities.

They claim Thales is "one of the world's largest arms companies - producing armoured vehicles, missile systems and military UAVs (drones) - in particular, the Watchkeeper drone, used for surveillance and combat on captive populations".

More than half a dozen police vans lined a nearby street. 

Chief Superintendent Mark Sutherland revealed no arrests have been made so far and an investigation into damaged property is ongoing.

Several protesters have also gathered outside the grounds at Thales.

They held signs reading "Free Palestine" and "Invest in people, not nuclear weapons".

Mr Sutherland, Divisional Commander for Greater Glasgow, said: "Around 6.25 am this morning, police officers on routine patrol noticed protesters had accessed the Thales UK Ltd site on Linthouse Road, Govan.

"The protesters managed to gain access to the roof of the main building and they remain there at this time. A number of further protesters have congregated on the footpath outside the premises. 

"Our policing role is to ensure public safety and to balance the rights of protestors with those of Thales UK, their staff and the wider public. We are liaising with Thales UK and attempts to engage with the protestors have been ongoing and continue.

"There are obvious safety concerns when dealing with protestors at height and we will continue to focus on a safe and proportionate response.

"No arrests have been made at this time and enquiries are ongoing into reports of damaged property.

“There are no road restrictions around the area, so local roads, businesses, and the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital are not affected at this time."

A Thales spokesperson said: “We can confirm we are working with the police to resolve this incident at our Glasgow site. The safety of our employees remains our primary concern at this time.

“The defence sector is proud to support our Armed Forces and security services with the equipment they need to protect our national security.

“Defence companies in Scotland and across the UK provide thousands of rewarding, high value, and long-term jobs. The sector works within UK ethical and transparency standards that are among the most robust of any country in the world.

“The UK defence and security industry works within robust ethical standards that are among the highest found anywhere in the world, and treats its responsibilities under the law with the utmost seriousness.”