Pendeford industrial unit criminal damage sees four arrested

Four people have been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage after breaking into an industrial unit in Staffordshire, police say.

Officers were called to Valiant Way in Pendeford, near Wolverhampton, at about 04:00 BST.

They said a number of people had entered a manufacturing building – believed to be aerospace firm Moog’s site, but Staffordshire Police have not confirmed this.

In social media posts, one described a group as “Palestinian Martyrs For Justice” being involved, while another claimed the firm supplies military aircraft parts to Israel. Moog has been approached for comment by the BBC.

Police confirmed there had been a break-in through the roof, before significant damage was caused to a number of sky lights and solar panels.

Officers were joined by firefighters, who were also called to the scene before the four suspects were detained.

A 32-year-old man, from West Yorkshire, and a 23-year-old woman, from London, were both later arrested on suspicion of criminal damage of more than £5,000, police said.

A woman, 22 and from West Sussex, was detained on suspicion of criminal damage of less than £5,000.

A 22-year-old man, from Leicestershire, was arrested on suspicion of burglary with intent to cause damage.

All four remain in police custody and are due to be questioned.

A spokesperson said the investigation was ongoing, and urged the public to avoid the site.

A video later published on an X account called The Aftershock, purported to show a vehicle being driven through gates at the site.

The footage also claims to show people climbing onto the roof of what the post describes as “a weapons factory called Moog”.

Claims are also made that Moog supplies Israel-based Elbit Systems with military aircraft parts “used to train Israeli pilots to fly F-16 and F-35 fighter jets”.

Further video footage on the social media site also appeared to show one of the group cutting holes in the factory’s roof.

One of the group can be heard saying: “Come down here and show your support for us protesting Moog’s involvement in the F-35 programme that are being used in the genocide against Palestinians.”