00:02:11
ITN
Police enter Heathrow camp
Police enter Heathrow camp
Police have entered a "climate change camp" set up by protesters at Heathrow Airport.Campaigners emerged from their tents, blowing whistles and shouting "police on site" as 25 officers converged on the site.Chief Superintendent Ian Thomas met with organisers of the camp as other officers toured the settlement and talked to campaigners.The week-long event was due to start on Tuesday but police estimate 250 protesters have already arrived at the camp.A number of tents and marquees are standing on the site with banners at the entrance reading "Climate Camp - no Airport Expansion" and "Runways to Ruin".Organisers expect more than 1,500 people from across the UK and other parts of Europe to join the event.They believe that publicity over a legal move by Heathrow operator BAA aimed at banning some protesters from the camp will boost numbers.BAA launched the move amid fears that some protesters would attempt to disrupt flights at Heathrow.Scores of police are at the site with officers posted at points around the camp's boundary.Ch Supt Thomas said 25 officers had inspected the site at the landowner's request.He said the protesters were on the site illegally and that police had repeatedly asked to send in a small team of officers to check that there had been no damage to the site or any offences.Camp organisers have now agreed to allow four officers to remain on the site.Police have made two arrests, before the camp visit, one for suspected deception and another for an outstanding criminal warrant.Ch Supt Thomas said: "It's very peaceful so far but the main problem is that they have set up on land where the landowner doesn't want them."BAA spokesman Mark Bullock said: "With the current terrorism threat, keeping Heathrow safe and secure is a very serious business. Any action taken by the protesters that distracts us or the police from this task is irresponsible and unlawful."Up to 1,800 police from four forces will be on duty over the next nine days amid fears in Scotland Yard that the protest will attract people intent on causing trouble.Some civil rights activists have voiced concerns at police tactics after officers made it clear they would deal "robustly" with any problems.A similar camp last year close to the Drax power station in Yorkshire by 400 protesters led to 40 arrests.© Independent Television News Limited 2007. All rights reserved.
ITN | August 13, 2007
