Arrested leader of Oregon occupation tells protesters to 'go home'

The remaining occupiers of a federal wildlife refuge in Oregon have been urged to leave the site by their leader following his arrest.

Ammon Bundy told those remaining at the refuge to "go home and hug your families" following the month-long armed occupation.

One person was killed during the arrest of Bundy and fellow members of his group on Tuesday. Bundy's brother, Ryan, was wounded in the incident.

The refuge was surrounded and blocked off by police on Tuesday evening following the arrests during a traffic stop along Highway 395.

In a statement released through his lawyer following a court hearing, Bundy said: "To those remaining at the refuge, I love you. Let us take this fight from here. Please stand down. Please stand down. Go home and hug your families. Please go home."

One protester who remained at the refuge following Bundy's arrest told Reuters by phone that some protesters were leaving the refuge through checkpoints set up by authorities.

The arrested protesters were each charged with conspiracy to use force, intimidation or threats to impede federal officers from discharging their duties.

During a brief hearing on Wednesday, they were remanded in custody until a hearing on Friday.