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Protesters arrested at Cranswick Country Foods in Norfolk

Alex Dunlop/BBC Police cars outside Cranswick Country FoodsAlex Dunlop/BBC
Cranswick Country Foods described the incident as "criminal"

Seven people have been arrested after a protest at a pork processing facility in Norfolk.

Police were called to reports that "protesters have gained entry" at Cranswick Country Foods in Brandon Road, Watton, at 06:07 BST.

The group said it occupied what it described as a CO2 gas chamber to highlight the "horrifying reality of UK slaughterhouses".

The company said the incident was "criminal".

One of the activists, Joey Carbstrong, was arrested and driven from the scene in a police car.

The group claimed that six people gained entry to the building, and five activists could be seen outside holding placards.

Mr Carbstrong said in a statement earlier: "We have occupied the gas chamber at Cranswick today in order to bring attention to the horrifying reality of UK slaughterhouses."

The British Meat Industry said carbon dioxide is used in abattoirs to stun pigs and induce a loss of consciousness and death prior to being slaughtered.

They said the method was widely recognised as being the most "welfare friendly".

The activists published footage earlier this week that was purportedly filmed from inside the processing plant. Mr Carbstrong and others have also produced a video documentary about pig farming, which was released earlier this year.

Alex Dunlop/BBC Protesters outside Cranswick Country FoodsAlex Dunlop/BBC
Norfolk Police said it was called to the site at 06:07 BST

Norfolk Police arrested three men in their 30s, one man in his 20s and another man in his 50s on suspicion of aggravated trespass.

A woman in her 30s was also arrested for aggravated trespass and a woman in her 20s was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit aggravated trespass.

All seven were taken to Wymondham Police Investigation Centre for questioning.

A company spokesman said: "There is an ongoing criminal incident taking place at the Cranswick site in Watton, Norfolk, and as such we are unable to comment at this stage."

The company employs 1,300 people locally.

According to the Cranswick website, the Watton facility produces fresh pork and sausages.

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