Kent Police has renewed its warning to anyone planning to ignore restrictions and take to the River Medway on a raft on Saturday as part of the climax to the climate camp protest.

Assistant Chief Constable Gary Beautridge said: "Medway Ports Authority has issued a Special Direction on safety grounds to prevent the planned raft regatta from taking place.

"We have repeatedly and publicly warned of the folly of trying to cross the Medway, a busy tidal river with dangerous currents and mudflats.

"Protesters are not only putting themselves in danger, but also the people who may have to come to their aid."

"I would urge anyone of thinking of taking part in this act of folly to be responsible and think again."

His warning was echoed by Maritime and Coastguard Agency North Kent Sector Manager, Colin Ingram.

He said: "If the protesters are planning to go on the river they are stupid, because of the risk to safety. They don’t know what the river can do.

"Although it is warm at this time of the year, anyone who falls in the water can get hypothermia within 45 minutes.

"What they are planning is to do everything we tell people not to do. They are not setting a very good example particularly to young people."

On Thursday, when announcing the restrictions preventing the raft regatta, deputy Harbour Master Catherine Spain of Peel Ports Medway, also warned of the consequences for protesters if the ban is flouted.

"The Harbour Master represents the statutory Ports Authority which is responsible for the safety of navigation on the River Medway.

"He has made the decision that the raft regatta will not go ahead due to serious concerns for the safety of those intending to take part."

Anyone ignoring the Harbour Master maybe liable to prosecution under the Medway Ports Authority Act 1973.’