Pro-Palestine activists used sledgehammers in action at Israel-linked firm, UK court told

Police officer suffered fractured spine during operation at factory near Bristol last year, Woolwich crown court hears

Six pro-Palestinian activists armed with sledgehammers attacked an Israeli-linked defence firm, with one striking a female police officer twice with his weapon, a court has heard.

Opening the trial at Woolwich crown court on Tuesday, the prosecutor, Deanna Heer KC, said the defendants were involved in a meticulously organised" operation by Palestine Action at the Elbit Systems factory in Filton, near Bristol, on 6 August last year.