Downing Street Monday warned campaigners at the controversial "climate change camp'' near Londons Heathrow Airport that any disruption to the running of the airport would be "unacceptable''.An estimated 250 people were already in place at the camp for the week-long event due to start tomorrow. Dozens of police officers carried out an inspection of the site this morning, as it was claimed campaigners have not ruled out illegal protests this Sunday.
It was also alleged that negotiations had broken down between campaigners and police. More than 1,500 people from across the UK and other parts of Europe are expected to join the event against plans to expand the airport, say the organisers. A Downing Street spokesman said "People do have a right to protest in this country but the Government believes action that would disrupt the running of Heathrow would be unacceptable".
Chief Superintendent Ian Thomas said 25 officers inspected the site this morning at the landowner's request. He said police repeatedly asked to send in a small team of officers to check there had been no damage to the site or any illegal offences caused. Camp organisers have now agreed to allow four officers to remain on the site. Police said they made two arrests, before this morning's visit, one for suspected deception and another for an outstanding criminal warrant.