Couple accused of blackmail plot

Eleven people are facing charges after the raids

A husband and wife arrested as part of a police inquiry into alleged animal rights extremism have appeared in court charged with conspiracy to blackmail.

Gregory Avery, 39, and Natasha Avery, 38, were held at their home in Eversley, Hampshire, after a series of raids across the UK and Europe.

They were remanded in custody by Portsmouth Magistrates' Court.

Seven other people are due in court this month on the same charge. Another two have been charged with blackmail.

A 40-year-old woman, who was arrested after she attended Guildford police station, is still being questioned.

Police raids also took place on Tuesday in Berkshire, Kent, Lancashire, London, Merseyside, Northumbria, Oxford, Surrey, Sussex, Worcestershire, Yorkshire, Glasgow, south Wales, Belgium and the Netherlands.

Twenty of those arrested have been released on police bail and one freed without charge.

Mr and Mrs Avery will next appear at Portsmouth Crown Court 21 May.