Arrests at incinerator protest

More than 100 protesters invaded the site on Monday

Police have arrested five environmental activists during a protest at a waste incinerator in Hampshire.

The protest began on Monday morning at Chineham near Basingstoke - the site of an incinerator which is due to open in October.

Campaigners from anti-incineration groups across the country chained themselves to machinery and staged a protest on the roof of one building.

A spokeswoman for Hampshire Police said the protesters had been arrested for public order offences.

Activists chain themselves to the structure

The spokeswoman said the police operation was expected to last into Tuesday evening.

Campaigners claim the method of waste disposal risks harmful cancer causing dioxins being poured into the atmosphere.

Mark Strutt, Greenpeace spokesman said: "The waste company got a possession order and we were told if we didn't get down by 12 noon we would be charged with offences.

More incinerators

"Seven bailiffs have arrived and are cutting people's chains with bolt cutters.

"They have lowered one person on the end of a rope to the ground and then done an arrest."

Greenpeace claims research shows that by 2010 Britain could have 43 new incinerators in addition to the 15 currently in operation.

The government says it is trying to ease the pressure on landfill dumps by encouraging recycling but is forced to resort to incinerators due to a shortage of space.