Three women have been formally charged under the Terrorism Act after a van was deliberately driven into the external fence of a defence factory in Edinburgh, sparking a major investigation led by Police Scotland's Counter Terrorism Unit.
The incident took place on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at the Leonardo UK facility located on Crewe Road North. Leonardo is an Italian-owned aerospace and defence company, known for supplying parts for jets and helicopters, including components for the UK Armed Forces. The factory had previously been targeted by pro-Palestinian activists, adding a complex political dimension to the case.
The three women, aged 31, 34, and 42, were arrested shortly after the incident and have now been charged under the Terrorism Act 2000. They are scheduled to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday, July 21, 2025. Police Scotland confirmed that their Counter Terrorism Unit is spearheading the ongoing investigation, with enquiries continuing as officers seek to piece together the full circumstances surrounding the attack.
The van involved in the incident was a blue Ford Transit, which police are keen to trace. Officers have appealed to the public for information regarding the movements of this van in the Gorgie Road area on Monday, July 14, and the day of the incident, Tuesday, July 15. In addition, authorities are also seeking details about a white Honda CR-Z, which was recovered from a car park in Gorgie Road following the event. Police have urged anyone who saw either vehicle in the vicinity, or who possesses relevant dashcam footage, to contact them immediately, quoting reference number 0416 of July 15.
The attack occurred amid heightened tensions related to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has inspired protests and activism worldwide. A direct action campaign group named Shut Down Leonardo claimed responsibility for the damage to the factory. The group specifically targets Leonardo's headquarters in Edinburgh, asserting that the factory produces laser targeting systems for Israel’s F-35 fighter jets. Shut Down Leonardo posted images online showing police officers on top of a vehicle adorned with a Palestine flag, highlighting the political motivations behind their campaign.
However, a spokesperson for Leonardo UK clarified the company's position, emphasizing that it operates under strict UK government export controls and does not supply equipment directly to Israel. The spokesperson stated, "Leonardo UK is subject to UK government export controls and does not supply equipment direct to Israel." They further stressed the importance of peaceful protest but condemned any aggressive or violent acts, saying, "The right to peaceful protest is an important principle in our society, however, aggressive and violent activity should have no place in protest. The intimidation of our people, who work hard to support the security and defence of the UK, is not acceptable."
Adding to the complex backdrop, Police Scotland is simultaneously investigating reports from a pro-Palestinian march in Edinburgh on Saturday, July 19, 2025. Thousands marched through the city demanding an end to the bloodshed in Gaza. While no arrests were made during the demonstration, counter-terrorism officers are examining reports that some participants wore T-shirts and carried banners expressing support for Palestine Action, a group recently banned under anti-terrorism legislation. These inquiries are ongoing, with local officers supported by counter-terrorism colleagues.
On the day of the van incident, police had also been stationed at a Morrisons supermarket car park on Ferry Road, adjacent to the Leonardo factory, which has been a frequent site of pro-Palestinian activism. At least five police vans and riot officers were present within a cordoned area, underscoring the authorities’ heightened alertness to potential unrest.
The incident has raised concerns about the intersection of activism and security, with the charged women’s identities and motives under scrutiny. The police’s appeal for public assistance highlights the importance of community vigilance and cooperation in resolving cases that involve national security and public safety.
Those with any information about the movements of the blue Ford Transit van or the white Honda CR-Z, or who witnessed suspicious activity in the Crewe Road North or Gorgie Road areas on July 14 or 15, are urged to contact Police Scotland on 101, referencing the investigation number 0416 of July 15.
This case exemplifies the challenges faced by law enforcement in balancing the right to protest with the imperative to prevent violence and protect critical infrastructure. As the investigation continues, all eyes remain on Edinburgh Sheriff Court, where the three women will face charges that could have significant legal and political repercussions.
