Nine charged after raids

NINE people were charged last night with blackmail offences after a massive series of raids targeting alleged animal rights extremists across the UK and Europe.

A further 20 were released on police bail and one person was released without charge. Police were granted a 36-hour extension to question the remaining two.

Assistant Chief Constable Adrian Leppard, of Kent Police, said: "The co-ordinated police operation targeting criminal activity associated with animal rights extremism is progressing well."