THREE pro-Palestine protesters have been arrested under terrorism laws after a van crashed into a security fence at a defence firm.
Cops rushed to the Leonardo factory on Crewe Road North in Edinburgh this morning.
Alan SimpsonThree women have been arrested under the Terrorism Act 2000 after a van crashed into a fence at a defence factory[/caption]
Alan SimpsonThe alleged incident happened on Crewe Road North in Edinburgh[/caption]
Alan SimpsonPolice raced to the scene and locked down the area after the alarm was raised[/caption]
A light blue Ford Transit van was seen jammed up against a damaged metal perimeter fence as a group of protesters climbed onto the vehicle’s roof.
A Palestine flag was draped from the rear of the vehicle as the activists sat just feet away from the defence facility’s razor wire-topped fence.
Officers nicked three women, aged 31, 34 and 42, under the Terrorism Act 2000.
An eyewitness told The Scottish Sun: “We arrived and the police were here. It appeared to be a peaceful enough protest.
“There wasn’t any aggro between the police and the protesters.”
Specialist officers kitted out in harnesses and hard hats responded to the alleged incident.
Cops were spotted hoisting a stretcher onto the roof of the light blue diesel van.
Officers cordoned off an area around the crash site and forensic officers also attended the scene.
Police Scotland’s counter terrorism unit has launched a probe and urged any witnesses to get in touch.
A spokesperson for the force said: “Three women, aged 31, 34 and 42, have been arrested under the Terrorism Act 2000 after a van was driven into an external fence of a business premises in Edinburgh.
“The incident happened during a disturbance in the Crewe Road North area of the city on Tuesday, 15 July, 2025.”
Forensic officers kitted out in white overalls also attended the scene.
Leonardo is one of the biggest suppliers of defence and security equipment to the Ministry of Defence.
It is the UK’s largest producer of high-tech sensors, lasers and electronic systems, which are used in some of the world’s most advanced aircraft, including fighter jets.
The Italian defence company also supplies military technology to Israel.
Leonardo has been contacted for comment.
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