Police charge 46 at climate camp

A number of protesters complained they were ill-treated by police

A total of 100 people were arrested during the week-long Climate Camp near Kingsnorth power station on the Hoo Peninsular, Kent Police have said.

Out of those, 46 were charged, mostly with public order offences or obstructing the police.

Twenty-two were cautioned, three were bound over to keep the peace, and one breached bail terms, the force added.

Police estimated about 1,000 people attended the camp and 1,400 officers policed the event.

The force said that out of the 100 arrests made, only two people were thought to be from Kent.

A number of people at the camp were arrested on suspicion of "more serious offences" such as assaulting police officers and possessing bladed instruments, police said.

Four people were arrested after they managed to get inside the power station on Saturday.

If the government gives permission to build this power station we will be back to stop it Tim Lever, Climate Camp

Many of the protesters have vowed to return to the site if the government gives permission to E.ON UK to build a coal-fired unit on the site, which the company says will be 20% cleaner.

Climate Camp spokesman Tim Lever said: "If the government gives permission to build this power station we will be back to stop it, and not just here but all over the country.

"We will disrupt the building of the site and as materials will have to be sourced from other places we will be taking action all over the country to stop them getting here as well."

A number of protesters complained they were ill-treated by police and accused them of heavy-handedness.

Policing complaints

Assistant Chief Constable Gary Beautridge said: "I know there has been comment from the media on the level of the policing during Climate Camp. We will investigate all complaints.

"If we find evidence that anyone has acted inappropriately or failed to demonstrate the standards we set and expect, Kent Police and partner police forces will address this."

Climate Camp spokesman Kevin Smith said: "Our legal team are going to be exhausting every possible channel for holding the police accountable for the draconian use of stop and search measures, for the things they confiscated, and for their violent incursions on to the camp."

About 3,000 people visited the camp during the week, he said.

Kent Police has estimated the cost of policing the camp was "several million pounds" and will be discussing a rebate with the Home Office.

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Kent Police have announced plans to ask the government for a rebate