Animal rights activists were involved in ugly clashes with police in the latest protest against Hillgrove Farm.

Police arrested 16 protesters for offences including assault and criminal damage and refused to let them enter an exclusion zone around the farm near Witney, which breeds cats for medical experiments.

About 1,000 people joined a noisy march through Witney town centre yesterday afternoon (Sun) after a rally at The Leys recreation ground, where speeches were given by leading activists including ex-model Celia Hammond.

The marchers reached a police barrier stopping them from getting to the farm and scuffles broke out with police, many on horseback, along Burford Road as they were forced backwards. Some protesters unsuccessfully tried to reach the farm across a field, while others staged an angry stand-off with police before gradually being forced back into the town centre.

About 300 police officers were called in for the march to ensure there was no repetition of previous demonstrations, where violence erupted at the farm. Six of those arrested were held on suspicion of violent disorder who had been caught on police video cameras at a previous protest. Animal Liberation Front officer Robin Webb, who gave a speech, said: "The protest went very well, but I think the police took a very heavy-handed attitude."

"The cross-section of the community represented here is an indication that people want to see this kind of abuse stopped." Organiser Heather James, 30, of Birmingham, said: "People have come from as far away as Scotland because they get so angry with what happens at the farm. We want it to close and won't stop protesting until it does."

Thames Valley Police Asst Chief Con Robert Davies said: "Overall the policing operation has been successful and, in the main, the aim of ensuring a peaceful and lawful protest has been achieved. We would urge the Save the Hillgrove Cats group to reply to our requests to meet so that any future protests can be co-ordinated to ensure that public safety is maintained and that less disruption is caused to the residents of Witney.

Seven people were arrested last night for trespass and criminal damage at a pig breeding centre near Abingdon.

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