This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/hampshire/6610429.stm

The article has changed 15 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 4 Version 5
Animal rights suspects targeted Thirty held over animal extremism
(about 1 hour later)
Suspected animal rights extremists are being targeted in a series of early morning raids across the UK and Europe. Thirty people have been arrested for alleged animal rights extremism in dawn raids across the UK and Europe.
About 300 police officers are executing warrants to enter and search premises at 30 addresses. About 300 police officers executed warrants at 30 addresses across the UK, Belgium and the Netherlands.
The "substantial" operation led by Hampshire Constabulary is supported by forces across the UK and Europe. The warrants are part of a joint investigation into suspected criminal activity associated with animal rights extremism, said a police spokeswoman.
The warrants are part of an ongoing investigation into criminal activity associated with animal rights extremism, said a police spokeswoman. Suspects were taken to undisclosed police stations across the UK and will be interviewed later.
Raids took place in Berkshire, Hampshire, Sussex, Kent, Greater London, Merseyside, Worcestershire, Northumbria and Yorkshire, Lancashire and Surrey.
Special Branch officers raided Freshfields animal rescue centre in Ince Blundell on Merseyside as part of the investigation.Special Branch officers raided Freshfields animal rescue centre in Ince Blundell on Merseyside as part of the investigation.
Other UK police forces involved in the raids include Sussex, Kent, Surrey and Thames Valley. The properties raided are continuing. Officers have been working with the local communities to minimise any disruption.
Have you witnessed any of the raids this morning? If you have any information you would like to share with the BBC you can do so using the form below:
The spokeswoman said more information would be released as the operation developed.
Have you witnessed any of the raids this morning? If you have any information you would like to share with the BBC you can do so using the form below:
You can send pictures and video to: yourpics@bbc.co.uk or to send via MMS please dial +44 (0)7725 100 100. You can send pictures and video to: yourpics@bbc.co.uk or to send via MMS please dial +44 (0)7725 100 100.
Do not endanger yourself or others, take any unnecessary risks or infringe any laws. Do not endanger yourself or others, take any unnecessary risks or infringe any laws.
Click here for terms and conditions on sending photos and videoClick here for terms and conditions on sending photos and video
Name:
 Name: