Protesters who want to close a detention centre housing about 180 asylum seekers in Kidlington have set up a permanent camp outside the site.

About ten people, including Oxford author Teresa Hayter and 'Emily' have remained outside Campsfield House Detention Centre in Langford Lane, following a protest over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Teresa Hayter and 'Emily'

Between 50 and 100 people turned up to support the camp.

They are opposed to Home Office procedures that detain some asylum seekers inside the centre while their applications to stay in the country are processed.

The remaining protesters say they plan to stay put for as long as possible and will continue to gather at the back of the camp each night, making music and singing.

Over the weekend, one campaigner infiltrated the outer compound to scribble the word 'Freedom' on a wall. Others climbed on the roof to wave banners.

Ms Hayter said: "We are hoping more people will join us on Friday.

"It would be good to have a presence here indefinitely. We want to make the point that these people should not be locked up."

Metal sheeting has been erected by Group Four, the company managing the site, to prevent protesters and detainees seeing each other.

Ms Hayter said: "Every night when we shout and make noise, they shout back and seem to appreciate our presence."