Animal rights protesters who claim Kent police “imprisoned” them on a coach to Dover docks say they have received thousands in compensation.

They say the police have paid out a total of £27,500 to 22 protesters, with each one who sued receiving a total of £1,250, based on damages for two hours of false imprisonment and compensation.

There are still four cases pending, and 15 other people on the coach could make claims.

The incident took place on July 29 2006 when a coach from London arrived for a protest in Dover. The coach, carrying about 40 protesters, was stopped by police on the edge of the town centre. It is alleged officers said they wanted to check the coach was roadworthy.

Some of the protesters decided to walk the rest of the way to reach the demo, which was a few hundred yards away along the seafront.

But they were stopped by a senior officer who said they would be arrested unless they got back on the coach.

Two police evidence gatherers got on the coach and starting walking down the aisle taking photos and video.

Several protesters challenged them and told them they had no right to get on the coach. After a scuffle, the officers left.

Eventually, the coach driver was ordered to return to London. The activists said the coach was escorted by several police vehicles and motorbikes who blocked every exit to a motorway junction or service station.

A spokeswoman for Kent Police said no comment could be made at this stage because other cases were still pending.