Five Barclays banks have had been targeted by pro-Palestine activists overnight.

Palestine Action has said its activists smashed windows at some of the branches and covered them in red paint.

The banks targeted are in Angel, Whitechapel, East Ham, Mayfair and Hammersmith.

In Islington, pictures posted by Jason Rodrigues, who works at The Guardian, showed the entire pane of glass at the front of the store in Essex Road smashed in.

 ‘Free Palestine’ had also been graffitied next to the smashed window in red paint.

Less obvious damage was visible at the branch in Whitechapel Road, although multiple windows appeared to be shattered.

Red paint could also be seen daubed over the bank’s walls and Barclays sign.

Police cordons could be seen in place outside both branches this morning (September 12).

The branch in Berkeley Street near Green Park station also appears to have been targeted with red paint.

Palestine Action has accused Barclays of investing in Elbit Systems, an Israeli-based weapons company.

A Barclays spokesperson said: “Protest groups have criticised Barclays for providing financial services to defence companies which is a sector we remain committed to as an essential part of keeping this country and our allies safe.

"They have resorted to intimidating our staff, repeated vandalism of our branches and online harassment.

"The safety of our colleagues and customers is our priority and we have additional measures in place such as increased security presence and surveillance technology.”

In June, multiple Barclays banks across the country were similarly targeted, including branches in St John’s Wood and Croydon.  

Metropolitan Police have been contacted over the latest incidents.