POLICE swooped on a Kent village in what is believed to be part of a major operation to tackle animal rights extremism.

The activity in East Peckham, near Maidstone, at about 7am on Tuesday is thought to be part of an initiative in which a total 30 people have been arrested.

Raids have taken place in Kent, Sussex, Berkshire, Hampshire, Greater London, Merseyside, Worcestershire, Northumbria and Yorkshire, Surrey and Lancashire.

It is understood officers arrested 15 women and 15 men during the series of dawn raids.

About 300 police officers have executed warrants at addresses across the UK, Belgium and the Netherlands. The operation is being led by Hampshire Constabulary.

Suspects have been taken to undisclosed police stations across the UK and being interviewed.

In a statement Kent Police said: "This is a regional police operation led by forces from the south east region and supported by a number of other UK police forces and European law enforcement agencies.

"Searches at the premises continue and officers are working with the local communities to minimise any disruption."

David Leppard, assistant chief constable of Kent Police, told a news conference: "It's important to stress that this operation, which has been running for over two years, is targeting the criminals involved in animal extremism. It is not targeting lawful campaigners."

He said criminal actions by extremists were "deeply disturbing" to victims.