Anti-nuclear protestors chained to cars at AWE in Burghfield via BBC News

Anti-nuclear protestors at the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) in Burghfield, Berkshire have chained themselves to each other and to cars.

Police arrived with angle grinders to saw through the chains and clear the blockade, which had been preventing staff from entering the site.

Action AWE demonstrators said they were opposed to an expected renewal of the UK Trident nuclear weapons programme.

AWE said Ministry of Defence Police and Thames Valley Police were attending.

‘Stop nuclear proliferation’

A group of 29 protestors arrived at the site earlier with cars and a trailer.

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They positioned themselves in front of gates where construction work is taking place for an anticipated Trident renewal.

Police have made two arrests and have cleared the blockades in front of the gates.

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Andrew Dey from Bradford, who is taking part in the protest, said: “We’re not calling for the Burghfield and Aldermaston bases to be shut down.

“We’re calling for them to stop working on nuclear proliferation.

“These bases can be used for disarmament purposes. We don’t want these people to lose their jobs.”

An AWE spokeswoman said: “AWE will continue to work with both the Ministry of Defence Police and the local police forces to ensure the safety and security of the Burghfield site.

“AWE recognises the democratic right of individuals to participate in lawful and peaceful protest activities.”

There have been several protests at Burghfield over the last two years, the most recent one on 19 May.

Burghfield is seven miles from the AWE’s other site at Aldermaston.