Nine members of the Derry Anti-War Coalition were arrested yesterday after they illegally entered the Raytheon plant in the city's Ulster Science and Technology Park to protest against the US-owned firm's alleged involvement in the Middle East conflict.
They forced their way in just after 8am and were arrested and removed from the premises eight hours later following an operation involving 80 police officers.
Supt David Hanna said those arrested had been taken to police stations in Derry and Coleraine for questioning about the offences of burglary and causing criminal damage. He said he had been in touch with Raytheon management but added that at no time did the firm attempt to put pressure on the police to resolve the matter quickly.
Supt Hanna described as "substantial" the damage caused to the building and its contents by an unknown number of the protesters who threw confidential files and documents, computers, printers and hard drives from the first floor.
About an hour after the takeover, dozens of PSNI officers, among them members of the Tactical Support Group, cordoned off the building. There then followed a stand-off during which a special team of police negotiators was flown to Derry from Belfast.
The protesters said they were refusing to leave the building until Raytheon, which makes software used in guided missiles, promised to close its Derry operation, with the loss of over 30 jobs.
The firm has always denied direct or indirect involvement in the arms industry, saying its Derry plant is used for research purposes. It has refused to comment on the forced entry and the damage caused.
Spokespeople for the protesters said if they were formally arrested, charged and cautioned they would deny any offence and challenge the authorities to prosecute them.
"We want our day in court. We want Raytheon in the dock," said Goretti Horgan, a protest organiser.