13 arrested in Heathrow climate protest

Heathrow could launch legal action against climate campaigners who caused serious disruption to the airport after chaining themselves to railings on the north runway.

Thirteen of the activists have been arrested and are being held in custody, the Metropolitan Police confirmed.

The members of activist group Plane Stupid had cut a hole in a fence in the early hours of Monday morning and lay down on the tarmac to protest against airport expansion.

They were later cut free and removed by police.

A Heathrow Airport spokesman said: "The safety of our passengers and the smooth running of the operation is paramount. Anyone who breaks the law and interferes with the safe operation of the airport can expect to face legal action."

Six protesters who blocked part of a runway at Heathrow Airport have been arrested.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "There were 13 protesters in total on the North runway. Six have so far been arrested on suspicion of Aviation Act offences and taken into custody.

"Officers remain at the scene and are continuing to work to remove the remaining protesters."

Passengers due to fly from Heathrow Airport today have spoken of their anger at disruption caused by climate change protesters.

Louise Rogers, 35, and Ciara Lalor, 34, had their flight home to Dublin cancelled.

Miss Rogers said: "I'm not one bit impressed. They should be shot with rubber bullets."

Her friend Miss Lalor added: "They've disrupted so many people. They shouldn't be allowed. Get the fire engine out and hose them down."

Planes are taking off from the middle of Heathrow's north runway to avoid protesters who chained themselves together overnight.

A Heathrow spokeswoman told ITV News: "Both runways are open but there will still be delays.

"Because of the protesters being at one end, we are able to use the north runway in a different way.

"We are working closely with the police who are dealing with the incident and are sorry for the disruption to passengers. Our priority remains to ensure the safe running of the airport.”

Earlier the airport had warned passengers to expect delays and cancellations due to the disruption and some incoming flights have to be diverted.

Plane Stupid campaigner Graham Thompson told ITV News a third runway was "absolutely unsustainable for the environment" as protesters continue to block Heathrow's north runway.

He added: "We need to be cutting emissions extremely rapidly and our government has come up with a plan to expand them and increase them."

Heathrow Airport has warned passengers to expect delays and cancellations today after protesters chained themselves together on one of the runways.

Customers were advised to check their flight status before setting off as those due to fly from the north runway could be affected.