PROTEST action at the Atomic Weapons Establishment at Aldermaston caused rush hour traffic delays this morning.

Hundreds of anti-nuclear campaigners have assembled with peace flags and banners and many have chained themselves together to blockade seven gates at the Aldermaston compound in a bid to halt work at the site, which manufactures nuclear missiles on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Gates were blocked from around 7am by groups of protestors who have come from across the UK and abroad.

Officers from Thames Valley Police, Hampshire Constabulary and MoD police have been working to remove protestors obstructing gates while ensuring the protest remains peaceful.

Chief Inspector Judith Johnson, from Thames Valley Police, said: “There are about 350 protestors and there have been a few arrests.

“Our main role is to allow people to protest peacefully and at the same time minimise disruption to other people.”

Campaigners plan to protest at the site throughout the morning.