POLICE in Hampshire say a march by animal rights protestors against a Hampshire laboratory passed off peacefully.
In the only arrest on the day, a 43-year-old man from Fareham was arrested in suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon during the planned protest in Wickham, against the Wickham Laboratories.
Around 90 people waving banners and shouting chants against animal testing marched from Mill Lane along the A32 School Road and the A334 Fareham Road and Winchester Road to the Wickham Square, on yesterday afternoon.
Speeches were given in the square before a minute's silence was held outside the laboratories in nearby Winchester Road.
Police kept a strong, visible presence throughout the march, keeping protestors on the planned route to avoid any traffic disruption.
Inspector Shaun Moore said he was pleased there was no public order incidents.
Technical Director of Wickham Labs, Christopher Bishop said: "The work carried out at Wickham Laboratories is legal, licensed and required under UK legislation.
"The majority of demonstrators were here to protest peacefully and within the law and we are pleased that disruption to the wider community was kept to a minimum."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article