Nine held after atomic site demo

AWE is the headquarters of Britain's nuclear development programme

Nine campaigners have been arrested during a demonstration at an atomic research base in Berkshire.

Activists staged the protest at the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE), where the upgrade to the UK's Trident nuclear defences is taking place.

Thames Valley Police said about 60 people took part in the "peaceful" demonstration at the site in Aldermaston.

Nine people were arrested on suspicion of unlawful obstruction of the highway.

A police spokesperson said they worked with Ministry of Defence police, AWE and Hampshire police officers "to facilitate a lawful and peaceful protest".

"Officers were deployed primarily to minimise disruption to the community and to ensure the safety of the public."

In March, the government won a Commons vote to renew Trident, despite 95 Labour MPs voting for the decision to be delayed.

AWE provides the warheads for Trident - the submarine-launched ballistic missile system that constitutes the UK's nuclear deterrent.