Relations between police and Climate eco-campers took a nose-dive after officers raided the site.

Organisers of Camp for Climate Action say more than 100 officers entered the field, near Deangate Ridge, Hoo,at about 6.15pm on Thursday.

Police took the decision to enter the camp after confiscating items the previous day they believed could be used in unlawful activity.

It is understood police were looking for items likely to be used in next Saturday's attempt to shutdown Kingsnorth Power Station.

At a press briefing this morning Kent Police Asst Chief Constable Gary Beautridge spoke of his disappointment that protesters seemed intent on breaking the law.

He said: "We have made it clear all along, in our discussions with the public and climate camp representatives, that we wanted to police lawful protest, recognising that this is the right of people in a free country.

"However, equipment we seized from the site suggests that some protesters were clearly intent on unlawful action.

"These included bolt croppers, super glue, padded suits, climbing ropes and pipes adapted in a way used at other protests to carry out tactics known as lock-ons.

"It is hard to conceive some of the equipment being used for anything other than unlawful use."

But protesters say items essential to the health and safety of the camp were also removed, including pipes for the delivery of fresh water.

Other items they say included a bicycle repair kit, three board games and a pack of children's crayons.

Camper Tanya Singh, said:“We are really disappointed that after so many weeks of carefully building up good relations with the police, they would choose to behave in such an unjustifiably heavy-handed manner.”

Police are said to have been searching for materials that could be used on the mass day of action planned for August 9.

Campers say police searched the site for guy-ropes for safely securing marquees, radios used in medical emergencies, and building materials for compost toilets.

“We never knew that our compost toilets posed such a threat to the fabric of society,” said camper Harry Lister.

A man and a woman were arrested and charged with obstructing a constable during the course of the raid.

Anna Jones, 27, of Richmond Road, Hackney and Paul Kahwatte, 23, of Teynham Road, Whitstable were later released on police bail until August 28.

Their bail conditions included a bar on entering the Hoo Peninsula, which means they are unlikely to play any further role in the Camp.

A police spokesman, said:"They were arrested after a number of articles were seized from the site in Dux Court Road following the execution of a warrant by police under the Criminal Damage Act.

"The warrant was issued following the discovery and confiscation of items the day before [Wednesday] that officers believed could be used in unlawful activity.

"Kent Police remains committed to policing lawful protest and recognises that most people attending the camp will be responsible and law abiding.

"However, the force has made it clear to the public and climate camp representatives that it will not hesitate to enforce the law where necessary.

"Section 6 of the Act allows officers to search land, vehicles and designated buildings to look for articles that may be used in the commission of criminal damage.

"Items seized yesterday and those confiscated on Wednesday when vehicles were searched are now being examined.

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