Three women charged under terrorism Act after a van crashes into defense facility

Monday, July 21, 2025 - Three women have been charged under the Terrorism Act 2000 after a van was driven into the perimeter fence of a defence facility in Edinburgh.

Police were called to the Leonardo factory on Crewe Road North on Tuesday, July 15, following reports of a vehicle crashing into the security fence of the site. The incident sparked a large-scale police response, with officers arresting three women, aged 31, 34, and 42.

A light blue Ford Transit van was seen lodged against the damaged metal barrier, while a group of protesters climbed onto the roof of the vehicle. A Palestinian flag was draped from the rear as the demonstrators sat near the razor-wire-topped fence of the defence installation. 

Police Scotland confirmed the women have now been charged under terrorism legislation and are expected to appear before Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday, July 21.

A Police Scotland spokesperson stated: "Three women have been charged under the Terrorism Act 2000 after a van was driven into an external fence of a business premises in Edinburgh. The incident happened during a disturbance in the Crewe Road North area of the city on Tuesday, 15 July, 2025."

The force said its Counter Terrorism Unit is leading the investigation and that enquiries remain ongoing. Officers are appealing for information about the movements of the blue Ford Transit van in the Gorgie Road area on Monday, July 14, and in the lead-up to the incident the following day.

They are also seeking information about a white Honda CR-Z, which was recovered from a car park in Gorgie Road after the event.

"Anyone who saw either vehicle in the area, or has any information, is asked to contact police," the spokesperson added. "If anyone was in the Crewe Road North or Gorgie Road areas and has any relevant dashcam footage or saw anything suspicious, please contact police on 101 quoting reference 0416 of 15 July."

Meanwhile, a group of pro-Palestinian activists gathered outside Govan Police Station on Helen Street in Glasgow on Sunday in response to the arrests. Demonstrators waved flags, displayed a banner reading "Mothers Against Genocide Scotland," and used chalk to write messages on the pavement, including "Israel are the terrorists."