Protesters shut down four factories in a co-ordinated move against Israeli drone manufacturer Elbit Systems.

Three British factories, owned by Instro Precision, a subsidiary of Elbit, were forced to suspend operations after sit-ins by pro-Palestinian activists.

A factory in Melbourne, Australia, was also targeted.

Camera systems similar to those made by Instro Precision are used in Israeli drones supplied by Elbit to survey the West Bank security fence.

Groups including London Palestine Action, War on Want and the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign took part in the “Block the Factory” protest, the third of its kind in the last year.

Banners proclaiming “Elbit Drones Murder,” “Stop Arming Israel” and “Elbit Kills Kids For Profit” were displayed and slogans spray-painted on walls.

Block the Factory spokesperson Alex Levan reported that “at least 10, and up to 20” of the group’s demonstrators at the Shenstone factory in Staffordshire had been arrested.

No arrests were at protests at the Instro Precision works in Tamworth, Staffordshire and in Kent .

Staffordshire Police Chief Inspector Steve Smith said: “In Tamworth those on the roof voluntarily came down and were directed by police to leave the area. Lynn Lane in Shenstone remains closed to the general public.”

Kent Police press officer Jon Green reported that the force was “called to an industrial estate in Hornets Close, Broadstairs at 4.20 am this morning following a report of protesters at a site on the estate. Patrols are currently in attendance.”

In February, the Crown Prosecution Service dropped its case against protesters who occupied an Instro Precision factory last summer during the Gaza conflict. The case collapsed after witnesses due to give testimony for Elbit pulled out.