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There have been a number of arrests at the Climate Camp at Hoo during a dramatic first day.

Six people taking part in the Climate Camp protest at Hoo were arrested in the early hours of Monday. A further three were taken into custody after further clashes during the afternoon.

The first took place at 12.30am when a 40-year man was taken into custody on suspicion of possessing a prohibited weapon.

A further five protesters were arrested between 5.50am and 6.30am after a deadline set by police to move vehicles blocking emergency access to site passed.

One of these - a 27-year old man - was arrested on suspicion of obstructing an officer.

The remaining four - aged 36, 24, 45 and 31 - were arrested for public order offences.

There were a further two arrests during clashes later in the day after a number of protesters banned from camp attempted to enter the site.

Climate Camp - Arrests and charges

More details of those arrested are expected at a police press conference taking place in Maidstone on Tuesday morning. Detectives are due to show off a number of items seized from the camp.

Asst Chief Constable Gary Beautridge speaking on Monday, said: "We used absolutely the minimum force necessary to ensure safe access and entry routes to and from the site.

"However, the response from protesters, including those who “locked on” to the vehicles causing the obstruction, has required us to increase our presence on the site."

The Campers say they have already given the police the registration numbers of all the vehicles on site and none had been abandoned.

Protesters say police had not listened to their pleas to leave the vehicles, a minibus, a medical vehicle and another car, where they are.

Police feared the vehicles could pose a hazard if ambulances or fire engines needed to access the site.

Their concern led to Camp organisers being given three hours to remove the vehicles. When that deadline passed the police moved in saying they were being treated as abandoned.

Cllr Andy Stamp, Liberal Democrat group deputy leader on Medway Council is staying at the camp.

He said: “I was woken up at 5.30am on Monday with a call to say the police were coming onto the site and there was a confrontation.

"There were police in riot gear and pepper spray and batons were used.

“A number of people were injured. I was personally pushed by police.

"I am disappointed with the police’s behaviour. Protesters have to have the right to peaceful protest and air their views.

"That is what we are all here for. There could be an intention by the police to infringe these rights.”

Protesters formed an arm-linked ring to stop the vehicles from being taken. Police returned later with reinforcements and pushed onto the site.

One protester, who asked not to be named, said: "There is just no need for the way they are acting, we have tried to tell the vehicles belong to people here, but they are not listening.”

But Kent Police insist it had no choice, but to act.

In a statement they said officers had become ncreasingly concerned about the lack of safe access or emergency exit routes from the field used by climate camp protesters in Dux Court Road, Hoo, particularly where vehicles were blocking the only usable gate.

A spokesman, added: "We raised this concern with their representatives yesterday and their response was to increase the number of vehicles obstructing this gate.

"Protesters were given three hours to move the vehicles, but made no attempt to resolve the problem.

"Officers therefore sought to provide clear access to allow safe evacuation and access for emergency vehicles should this become necessary.

"During the day, protesters have actively tried to prevent police from doing this.

"The force is also working closely with the other blue light services to ensure safety on the site being used for the camp.

Asst Chief Constable Beautridge, added:"As I have already stressed, our wish is to police lawful protest. Sadly, the evidence from today and equipment we found last week suggest that some people at the camp are intent on breaking the law."