A stash of knives and makeshift weapons have been found by police near the site of this week's coal plant protest.

The hoard, which includes an adapted knife

a replica throwing star, knife block containing knives and a large chain with a padlock were hidden in a wooded area near the Camp for Climate Action base in Hoo. Officers recovered the items on Monday night.

On Tuesday morning the items were put on display at Kent Police HQ in Maidstone alongside some of the seized equipment that was previously confiscated. All of the items, police say, indicate some protestors are intent on unlawful action.

The seized equipment that has been recovered since Thursday last week includes large quantities of superglue, bolt croppers and padded suits.

Other items taken include climbing ropes and metal pipes adapted in a way used at other protests to carry out tactics known as 'lock-ons.'

Flares and grappling hooks have also been confiscated.

Asst Chief Constable Gary Beautridge said: "There is no justification whatsoever for having these weapons.

"I would suggest that a minority of people had hidden them with the intention of causing harm to police officers, and possibly to the horses or dogs that we are using on patrol."

"And if you look at the equipment we have seized, it is clear to me the plan was to use these items for criminal purposes.

"I have to say again that Kent Police is committed to policing lawful protest and we do recognise that most of the people attending are responsible and law abiding.

"But we have said both to the public and climate camp representatives that our officers will not hesitate to enforce the law where necessary."

ACC Beautridge explained why police went onto the site in Dux Court Road, Hoo, yesterday after repeatedly asking protestors to clear the access routes to and from the site.

He said: "There are an estimated 1,000 people living on the campsite during the week, including families with young children.

"It is absolutely essential that ambulances, fire engines and police vehicles can get on and off the site in case of emergency and that the site can be evacuated if the need arises.

"We will not compromise on safety. We are obliged under law to do all that we can in our power so emergency services can have access to a community of 1,000 people and this is why we have needed to act so access is available.

"Officers had to use their protective equipment yesterday because of the hostility they faced from a hardcore group of protestors.

"Police needed to use their shields because coins and forks were being thrown at them.

But one camp supporter said: "There have been several police assaults on the camp, people do have the right to defend themselves and doing so passively with vehicles is exactly the sort of non-violent approach to be expected of the campers. Pesumably the police are trying to use violence to provoke the campers."

A total of 12 people were arrested yesterday and to date seven have been charged.