Edinburgh protesters blockading nuclear weapons site

At least six campaigners from Edinburgh were among hundreds of activists from around the world who gathered at the Atomic Weapons Establishment in Aldermaston, Berkshire. It has been described as the biggest demonstration of its kind "for many years".

Demonstrators, including those from the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND), arrived at 7am, and blocked the seven gates at the site either by sitting down in front of them, or locking themselves together. They want to stop the Trident missile system being replaced.

Janet Fenton, co-ordinator of the Peace and Justice Resource Centre in Princes Street, was among those arrested just before 8am.

Speaking from a police van, she said: "We thought it was important we show the strength of feeling. About 40 of us came down from Scotland and succeeded in closing the gates. We even managed to get inside, and were dancing and singing inside the base."

Gillan Lawrence and Ray Bradford, who are also from Edinburgh, were arrested as well.

Two Nobel Peace Prize recipients – Jody Williams, who led a campaign to ban land mines, and Mairead Maguire, who led a campaign to end violence in Northern Ireland – were among those taking part.

CND chairwoman Kate Hudson said: "It's going very well, and all the gates have now been blocked.

"It's a reflection of the fact that the majority of the population is against the British possession of nuclear weapons."

The blockade was expected to continue for several hours.