A group of activists have stormed a slaughterhouse and locked themselves onto machinery in a fight for "total animal liberation".

The campaigners arrived at Forge Farm Meats in Southborough, Tunbridge Wells, in the early hours of this morning and say they intend to remain inside the building and blockade the killing of animals for as long as possible.

Police are at the scene, where it is understood around 15 activists are taking action.

The group filmed themselves entering the site

In a statement, the anonymous group, referred to only as "some human accomplices in the fight against speciesism", said: "Last week the world was taken by storm with the news of the Amazon Rainforest being burnt for cattle grazing.

"With the dooming reality of climate change approaching faster than ever before and the irrefutable connection between that acceleration and animal agriculture, we find our actions justified and necessary to draw attention back to the root cause.

"Seeing that protests and demonstrations are being ignored and that change needs to happen fast, we have decided to take direct action against speciesism.

"We are not here to convince the apathetic public about diet change, we are here with the single intention of avoiding more innocent victims being brutally murdered for profit."

Some activists are chained to each other and have described the situation themselves as a dangerous one, that could result in injuries, if the correct professionals are not on site to manage the situation.

The statement added: "We are going to remain inside of the slaughterhouse for as long as we possibly can and we are not willing to give up our opposition until Forge Farm Meats closes down for good.

"We would be willing to abandon the blockade if all animals scheduled to be killed today are transported to an animal sanctuary of our choice and if the safety and freedom of the activists are promised, without charges and without personal details.

"This is the first of many actions we are willing to take in order to combat and ultimately bring down speciesism.

"In a world were legality is decided upon and measured by profit, we will take direct action in the name of justice. Until all are free."

It is not the first time activists have trespassed onto the site, as three women from Dartford were fined for a similar protest last year.

A police spokesman said: "Kent Police was called at 3.35am on Tuesday, August 27 to reports of a protest at a business in Powder Mill Lane, Tunbridge Wells.

"Officers attended to speak to those involved and remain at the scene."

Forge Farm Meats has been approached for comment.

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