Methodist minister arrested at BAE Systems’ Warton Aerodrome says he was trying to prevent war crimes in Yemen

This article is more than 3 years old

This article is more than 3 years old

Two activists have been arrested while apparently trying to disarm warplanes bound for Saudi Arabia.

A statement released on behalf of the Rev Dan Woodhouse and Quaker activist Sam Walton said the pair had entered the BAE Systems site in Warton, Lancashire, on Sunday morning with the intention of disarming planes.

Lancashire police confirmed that two people had been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage following an incident at the site and that officers were investigating.

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The two men said their actions were aimed at preventing a delivery of fighter jets to the Saudi government. They said the delivery was due to take place in the next few weeks.

Woodhouse, a Methodist minister in Leeds, said: “Stopping or even delaying Saudi Arabia having more planes with which to bomb Yemen would save innocent lives and prevent war crimes.”

Walton said: “We did not take these steps lightly but we have no other option.”

A spokeswoman for BAE Systems said: “The incident is now being investigated by Lancashire police and we are assisting them with their inquiries.”