Seventh Arrest Made Following Violent Ram Raid at Elbit Systems Headquarters in Bristol

A seventh arrest has been made following a violent ram raid targeting the Bristol headquarters of defence technology contractor Elbit Systems, police have confirmed.

The incident unfolded shortly before 4:00 AM on Tuesday, 6 August, at the company's premises on Bolingbroke Way in Patchway, situated on the outskirts of Bristol. Members of the activist group Palestine Action allegedly drove a vehicle directly into the entrance of the facility to gain access.

According to Avon and Somerset Police, officers who responded to the scene faced hostile resistance. During the altercation, two police officers were assaulted with a sledgehammer. Both officers sustained injuries while attempting to detain the suspects and prevent further damage to the facility.

The latest arrest brings the total number of individuals in custody to seven, as detectives continue their inquiry into the coordinated attack. Elbit Systems has been a frequent target of direct action protests due to its role in manufacturing defense equipment.

Avon and Somerset Police have condemned the violence against their officers, stating that such assaults are entirely unacceptable. Investigations are ongoing, and police are appealing for any witnesses or dashcam footage from the Patchway area around the time of the incident.