Damage to Permoid in Newton Aycliffe by Palestine Action

The Permoid factory, on Horndale Avenue in Newton Aycliffe, was the target of a protest from Palestine Action on Monday (June 16).

Protestors from the group scaled the roof at around 3.30am.

Red paint daubed over the factory in Newton Aycliffe (Image: UGC) Equipped with bolt cutters, hammers, and red flares, activists unfurled Palestinian flags and chanted “Free, free Palestine” as they occupied the site.

Photos from inside and outside the premises show smashed windows, broken doors, and large splashes of red paint across the factory floor and building exterior.

Protest messages were also daubed inside the facility, including one that read 'Pal Action' - believed to be a nod to the name of the activity group.

Protestors on the Permoid factory, Newton Aycliffe (Image: STUART BOULTON) Following news of protestors at the site, a significant emergency service response was seen, with at least 11 police vehicles, paramedics, and Durham County Council workers attending the scene throughout the day.

Police drones were deployed to monitor the rooftop protest, and officers extended a cordon around the industrial estate, blocking public and business access.

Staff members were reportedly told to leave the site and not return until tomorrow, forcing the factory to shut down.

A smashed door at the Newton Aycliffe factory (Image: UGC) Palestine Action has claimed responsibility for the protest, alleging that Permoid Industries manufactures containers for weapons and ammunition that are used by the Israeli military; however, The Northern Echo has not been able to verify this allegation

According to Permoid's own website, it produces “a wide range of ammunition containers to suit a large variation of ammunition, which includes belted ammunition, cartridge, mortar and shell munitions.”

No official statement has been made by Permoid at this time.

Alan Strickland MP said: "Criminal damage and violent protest are totally unacceptable.

"I’m in regular communication with Permoid and the police and am continuing to monitor the situation closely.

I’m grateful to Durham Constabulary for their professionalism in very challenging circumstances."

Smashed windows at the factory on Horndale Avenue (Image: UGC) The Palestine Action group also stated that they caused “further damage” from the roof, having cut into the building’s structure to affect operations internally.

This is reportedly the second time the site has been targeted, with the group claiming to have breached the factory gates on Saturday (June 14) - causing damage to machinery and removing what it has called "confidential documents".

Durham Constabulary confirmed officers were called to the scene at around 5.22am and are continuing to negotiate with the protestors.

A spokesperson said: “Police are attending a factory unit on Horndale Avenue at Newton Aycliffe, where a small number of protesters have gained access to the roof.

"A police cordon is in place around the building, and officers are continuing to communicate with the protesters.”

Protestors on the roof of the factory (Image: STUART BOULTON)

The North East Ambulance Service also confirmed its attendance.

As of Monday afternoon, protestors remained on the roof, refusing to leave until their message was heard.

Read more:

• LIVE: Rooftop standoff with police as protestors armed with bolt cutters scale Aycliffe factory

• Protestors force County Durham factory to close amid rooftop drama

Images of the protest and the aftermath have been widely shared on social media, sparking debate across the region.

Some have expressed support for the group’s stance, while others condemned the damage and disruption caused.

Police have not confirmed any arrests at this stage.

Investigations into the incident are ongoing.