Three Women Charged in Edinburgh Van Attack on Arms Factory Fence

Three women, Niaomi Stubbs-Gorman, Susan Riddell, and Allegra Fitzherbert, have been charged under the Terrorism Act 2000 after a van was driven into the fence of the Leonardo arms factory in Edinburgh, an incident linked to a pro-Palestinian protest. The charges include malicious mischief and dangerous driving, both aggravated by having a terrorist connection, while the investigation is being led by Police Scotland's counter-terrorism unit. Supporters of the women held demonstrations outside the court, expressing opposition to government support for arms manufacturers and highlighting Leonardo's role in producing targeting systems for F-35 fighter jets, which are alleged to be used in the conflict in Gaza. Leonardo has denied supplying equipment directly to Israel, stating its main customer is the UK Armed Forces and emphasizing adherence to UK government export controls. The incident also involved property defacement and the recovery of vehicles believed to be connected, with police appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage. Bail was granted for two of the women, with the third's bail hearing continued, and further court appearances are pending.