A farmer has had his livestock taken away from him amid concerns for their welfare.

Craig Sargent's premises at Oaks Farm in Halstead near Sevenoaks have been picketed on more than one occasion by members of animal rights group Kent Animal Defenders.

The farm has also previously been visited by the RSPCA and by inspectors from the government's Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).

On Tuesday, Kent County Council trading standards officers, escorted by police and vets from the APHA removed all Mr Sargent's cattle, sheep and pigs.

It is believed they have been housed on another farm and have not been euthanised.

The removal was an extensive operation that involved police closing the road while the livestock were loaded onto animal trailers.

A Kent County Council spokesman said: "Kent Trading Standards officers are working with vets from the Animal Plant and Health Agency (APHA) in response to concerns raised about the welfare of animals on a farm in the Sevenoaks area.

"Trading Standards works with farmers, the APHA and others to ensure legal welfare standards for farmed animals are met in Kent – and when those standards are found to be failing we will take action.

"We are unable to comment further on this specific case at this time as investigations and related legal action are ongoing."

Mr Sargent could not be reached for comment today. He has always previously denied any claims of neglect, saying that those protesting against his animals' welfare did not understand farming and were ill-informed.

Police said their presence was required only to help with traffic management.

In the past, there have been complaints that cattle on the farm had been left stuck in mud, and on one occasion an animal had been trapped by its leg in a fence.

However, the immediate concern on this occasion seems to have centred on the security of the animals, with poor fencing allegedly allowing animals to stray onto the road.

Last April, an online petition calling for the farm to be closed garnered more than 57,000 signatures.

Anyone concerned about the welfare of animals on farms should call the RSPCA, or report it to the APHA via the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301 or email customeradvice@apha.gov.uk