Waste protester climbs from crane

Some of the protesters scaled a crane on the site

The first of the protesters who climbed a crane in their fight against a planned incinerator in East Sussex has climbed down and been arrested.

Police said they were continuing to negotiate with the six people who remain on the crane at the North Quay site in Newhaven.

Four people arrested after the protest began on Tuesday have been charged with aggravated trespass.

A fifth person, a 45-year-old woman from Newhaven, has been bailed.

The campaigners have said they have enough food and water for several days but one, Bob Robson, said by mobile phone they were very tired.

"The police used sirens and lights and stopped anyone from sleeping all night," he said.

Cordoned off

Ch Supt Paul Morrison said all the protesters would be arrested and charged with aggravated trespass.

"We are continuing to talk to them and we are hoping that we will soon bring this to a safe conclusion," he said.

He denied claims from the protesters that police were jeopardising their safety by allowing work to resume in other areas of the site.

"The specific area around the location of the crane has been cordoned off and the site operators are continuing their lawful activities in other areas of the site.

"These activities do not pose a risk to the protesters or the police personnel."