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Protesters reach BAA headquarters Protesters reach BAA headquarters
(about 1 hour later)
Climate change campaigners have arrived at the headquarters of Heathrow operator BAA to protest against the expansion of the airport.Climate change campaigners have arrived at the headquarters of Heathrow operator BAA to protest against the expansion of the airport.
It is part of 24 hours of "direct action" by the Camp for Climate Action.It is part of 24 hours of "direct action" by the Camp for Climate Action.
Police in riot gear are at the scene and preventing protesters from reaching the BAA offices. Police in riot gear are at the scene surrounding protesters in the car park at the BAA offices.
Organisers say a total of 1,400 people are taking part in the action, while police at the scene put the number of marchers at about 1,000.Organisers say a total of 1,400 people are taking part in the action, while police at the scene put the number of marchers at about 1,000.
Protesters and members of the local community are also symbolically walking the 3km (1.8 mile) route of Heathrow airport's proposed third runway.Protesters and members of the local community are also symbolically walking the 3km (1.8 mile) route of Heathrow airport's proposed third runway.
Map of proposed Heathrow expansion and climate campMap of proposed Heathrow expansion and climate camp
Police are trying to contain the campaigners, who are chanting "peaceful protest", on the road outside BAA headquarters.Police are trying to contain the campaigners, who are chanting "peaceful protest", on the road outside BAA headquarters.
The BBC's Nicola Pearson says there has been some "pushing and shoving" between the two sides.The BBC's Nicola Pearson says there has been some "pushing and shoving" between the two sides.
Organisers of the action also said three teenage protesters had managed to scale a structure near BAA, and unfurled a banner saying "Make Planes History".Organisers of the action also said three teenage protesters had managed to scale a structure near BAA, and unfurled a banner saying "Make Planes History".
There are certainly times when unlawful action is required in order to force changes that aren't happening fast enough Alex HarveyCampaignerThere are certainly times when unlawful action is required in order to force changes that aren't happening fast enough Alex HarveyCampaigner
BAA has said it will not be commenting on the day of action.BAA has said it will not be commenting on the day of action.
Earlier there were a few minor scuffles as police officers encircled one group during their procession towards Sipson Village, where part of the new runway is expected to be located.Earlier there were a few minor scuffles as police officers encircled one group during their procession towards Sipson Village, where part of the new runway is expected to be located.
Protesters left the camp - situated between the M4 motorway and the airport's northern perimeter in west London - in separate groups at midday to begin their march.Protesters left the camp - situated between the M4 motorway and the airport's northern perimeter in west London - in separate groups at midday to begin their march.
Banners carried slogans such as "You Fly, They Die", "Climate Change Kills" and "No Third Runway: Sipson Village RIP".Banners carried slogans such as "You Fly, They Die", "Climate Change Kills" and "No Third Runway: Sipson Village RIP".
They are campaigning against Heathrow's planned expansion because, they say, it will contribute to climate change.They are campaigning against Heathrow's planned expansion because, they say, it will contribute to climate change.
Protester Layla Harris said: "We have had enough of the prioritisation of economic growth over the future of our planet.Protester Layla Harris said: "We have had enough of the prioritisation of economic growth over the future of our planet.
There were some minor skirmishes between police and protestersThere were some minor skirmishes between police and protesters
"We are part of a growing global movement of ordinary people that will stop climate change.""We are part of a growing global movement of ordinary people that will stop climate change."
A spokeswoman for the Camp for Climate Action said members of the local community had joined the demonstration.A spokeswoman for the Camp for Climate Action said members of the local community had joined the demonstration.
Alex Harvey, one of the campaigners at the camp, said the siege at BAA would last until Monday morning.Alex Harvey, one of the campaigners at the camp, said the siege at BAA would last until Monday morning.
But, while she said it would remain peaceful, she could not guarantee it would be lawful.But, while she said it would remain peaceful, she could not guarantee it would be lawful.
"There are certainly times when unlawful action is required in order to force changes that aren't happening fast enough," she said."There are certainly times when unlawful action is required in order to force changes that aren't happening fast enough," she said.
Ms Harvey said that, if police intervened to stop the campaigners reaching BAA's offices, they would be protecting the interests of the corporation over the needs of the people.Ms Harvey said that, if police intervened to stop the campaigners reaching BAA's offices, they would be protecting the interests of the corporation over the needs of the people.
A fifth terminal will open at Heathrow in March 2008 and a new runway has been proposed by the government for about 2020.A fifth terminal will open at Heathrow in March 2008 and a new runway has been proposed by the government for about 2020.
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Are you at the protest or can see what is happening? Send us your photos and moving images to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 07725 100 100 - see right hand side for terms and conditions on sending pictures.Are you at the protest or can see what is happening? Send us your photos and moving images to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 07725 100 100 - see right hand side for terms and conditions on sending pictures.
At no time should you endanger yourself or others, take any unnecessary risks or infringe any laws.At no time should you endanger yourself or others, take any unnecessary risks or infringe any laws.