More than 500 protesters have now gathered at the Camp for Climate Action site near Hoo, Kent, overlooking Kingsnorth power station, since its official opening day on Sunday.

Campaigners are opposed to proposals by the plant's owners, E.On, to build a new on-site coal-fired facility - the first such plant to be built in Britain for over 30 years.

The Climate Camp's opening day of workshops was marred by persistent stand-offs between officers in riot gear and protesters over safe access to the site.

Officers faced strong resistance as they entered the camp at dawn to remove vehicles blocking its entrance.

A total of nine people were arrested on Monday following the morning raid and during scuffles which broke out throughout the afternoon.

Four were charged with offences including obstructing a police officer, driving without a correct licence or insurance and possession of a blade.

The four charged are Reginald Twigger, 40, of Knole Street, Nottingham, who was charged with possession of a bladed article; Taus Larsen, 31, charged with obstructing police; Emma Sheppard, 27, of Hamilton Road, Manchester, accused of driving without insurance and driving a motor vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a licence; and Sonny Ahmed Khan, 36, of Singleton Park, Kendal, charged with obstruction of a police officer.

They were bailed to appear at Chatham Magistrates Court on August 28.

A further five men remained in police custody for public order offences, including one member of a small group who breached bail conditions by flouting a court order prohibiting them from entering the site.



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