Ten people have been arrested following ongoing protests at dairy plants in Somerset, as part of a campaign by Animal Rebellion for a plant-based food system. The group entered the Muller site near Bridgwater at around 06:00 BST on Sunday.
Seven people were arrested on Sunday, with a further three taken into custody on Monday. Five protesters remain on site, according to Avon and Somerset Police. The Muller and Arla sites in Worcestershire and Buckinghamshire have also been targeted for a second day.
Ch Insp Dan Forster said: 'The protestors have been arrested on suspicion of offences including aggravated trespass, criminal damage and conspiracy to commit criminal damage. The protestors who remain on site have all climbed on top of objects and locked themselves to them.'
A spokesperson for Muller UK and Ireland said: 'Despite some attempts to damage equipment, supplies of milk are being maintained due to the hard work and professionalism of our employees. Dairy is affordable and packed with nutrients that benefit our bodies. During a cost of living crisis it is wrong to try to prevent it from reaching families, including vulnerable members of society.'
Animal Rebellion said it was taking action after no response to a letter delivered to Downing Street in August, warning of disruptive action unless progress towards its demands was made. The group wants 'wholesale governmental support for farmers and fishing communities to transition to a plant-based food system and programme of rewilding'.
On Sunday, around 100 people climbed on to trucks, milk silos and loading bays across four sites. The protest has ceased at the Gloucestershire site but continues elsewhere.
