Barclays branches across the UK have been left with shattered windows and defaced with graffiti following an attack by pro-Palestine activists.

       Palestine Action has confirmed that its members targeted the Broadmead branch in Bristol alongside other 19 Barclays branches nationwide, from Glasgow to Brighton.

       The organisation is aiming to pressure the bank into withdrawing investment from Israel's arms trade and fossil fuel industries.

       Palestine Action is notorious for its direct action blockades against companies such as Elbit Systems, an Israeli-owned arms firm with a UK office at Aztec West near Bristol.

       The group has also been a constant presence in Bristol's city centre, protesting against businesses that have ties to Israel.

       This marks an intensification in the campaign against Barclays, with police now probing the extensive property damage. Other banks were reportedly hit in St John's Wood in London and in Scotland.

       A representative for Palestine Action said: "Barclays is funding the crises of climate collapse and genocide in Palestine.

       "Decades of polite campaigning, petitions, letter writing and lobbying MPs have failed. We will continue to escalate until Barclays pulls its finger out and stops funding genocide and climate destruction."

       A Barclays representative said: "We provide vital financial services to US, UK and European public companies that supply defence products to NATO and its allies. Barclays does not directly invest in these companies."

       "The defence sector is fundamental to our national security and the UK government has been clear that supporting defence companies is compatible with ESG considerations.

       “Decisions on the implementation of arms embargos to other nations are the job of respective elected governments.

       "While we support the right to protest, we ask that campaigners do so in a way which respects our customers, colleagues and property.”

       The Palestine Action group revealed it has recently 'partnered' with a group called Shut The System, an 'underground climate movement', and said it had done so to 'mastermind this nationwide campaign of targeted property damage'.

       "Palestine Action aims to halt the Palestinian genocide by undermining suppliers of weapons to the Israeli military, including Elbit Systems, along with financial companies involved with these weapons suppliers," a spokesperson explained.

       "Shut the System targets banks and insurance companies which enable fossil fuel expansion."