Peace activists occupying castle

The protesters have barricaded the door of the keep

Three peace protesters have occupied the keep at Cardiff Castle in a demonstration over the 'occupation of land in Palestine'.

The three got into the keep after buying a ticket for a castle tour and used a bar to block the entrance.

Dee Murphy, Bob Cotterill and Keith Ross said they plan to stay for a while, possibly days, and have stressed they have no wish to damage the castle.

A negotiator from South Wales Police is at the scene.

The protesters said the action was to make the point about the occupation of land in Palestine which they claimed was being ignored by the public and the media.

They are flying a Palestinian flag from the keep and have hung another over the wall.

We acknowledge the right to peaceful protest, but it must be noted that this is a valuable ancient monument and of considerable public interest Chief Supt Bob Evans

They told BBC Wales they had some food and water with them and may stay for some days.

Chief Supt Bob Evans said the protest appeared to be peaceful.

However he continued: "In the interest of public safety we have advised the castle to exclude the general public from the area.

"We acknowledge the right to peaceful protest, but it must be noted that this is a valuable ancient monument and of considerable public interest.

"A police negotiator is at the scene and a command structure put in place both at the scene and at Cardiff Central police station.

"We believe at this stage that those involved in the demonstration are members of a local anti-war activist group."

'Non-violent'

Peace activist Helen Williams, a former human shield in Iraq, was handing out leaflets outside the castle with her Iraqi husband Wejdy Easah to explain the purpose of the protest to the public.

Demonstators outside the castle supported the protest inside

She said the protesters were planning to stay 24 hours, adding: "It's a symbolic gesture occupying the keep of Cardiff Castle.

"We want to bring to the public's attention the plight of the Palestinians, what they are going through.

"It's a perfectly peaceful protest. It's all non-violent."

A spokesman for Cardiff County Council said: "There has been an incident at Cardiff Castle which police have attended.

"Several protestors have barricaded themselves into the top of the castle's keep area and are refusing to leave.

"On the advice of the police, the castle was closed to the public at 13.30 and officers are currently negotiating with the protesters to come down."