Assistant Chief Constable Gary Beautridge said: "From the start I have stressed that our aim has been to police a lawful and peaceful protest.

"It is clear the majority of climate camp protesters share this aim. We agreed yesterday to allow a protest march to the power station, although it did not meet the legal requirements of the Public Order Act.

"We worked closely with climate camp representatives to agree a safe route and reasonable timescales for the march and subsequent assembly, taking into account that the marchers included children and people with mobility problems.

"The march kept to the timings, so we were able to keep disruption to local people to the minimum possible. However, there were delays on the A228, for which we apologise. We know how important this road is to people on the Hoo peninsula.

"Policing of the march was predominantly low key and good natured. We thank those taking part for their cooperation and responsible attitude in the nature of their protest.

"However, as we have seen all week, while the majority of people have been law abiding, it was clear from early on that a comparatively small number of people were intent on causing trouble.

"For example, a group of people dressed in dark clothing and wearing what appeared to be masks were seen to cut across the country.

"Other groups split from the march and also headed to Kingsnorth Power Station across country, some again wearing masks.

"We believe individuals from these groups were among those who later made determined efforts to break into the power station.

"Sadly, despite all our warnings and those of the Medway Ports Authority Harbour Master and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, some foolhardy people decided to protest from the water, trying to reach Kingsnorth from various points on the Medway, ignoring the prohibition made by the Harbour Master on the grounds of safety.

"Our fears, sadly, proved correct, but miraculously there were no fatalities or serious injuries.

"While most people involved in the protest were sensible and responsible, a small group was clearly intent on breaking into the power station at all sites. Our policy was that our policing was proportionate to the need.

"Therefore, when people refused to comply with police requests or continued to try to breach the power station fences, our tactics had to respond.

"The decision was made to deploy specialist units including dogs and horses. Because of the level of resistance, officers were authorised to use batons.

"There are strict legal standards for their use and we gave clear warnings when any specialist team was deployed, which is our policy. Those intent on breaking the law had the choice to stop.

"I know there has been comment to the media on the level of this policing and the action of individual officers. Everyone on duty today is expected to meet Kent’s own high standards.

"We will investigate all complaints and will also review footage that has been drawn to our attention. If we find evidence that anyone has acted inappropriately of failed to demonstrate the standards we expect, we will address this."