Eco-warrior camp attacked

A camp set up in Shropshire by eco-warriors protesting over plans to mine 900,000 tonnes of coal has come under attack, it was revealed today.

Campaigners - including young children - living on the site between New Works and Little Wenlock, in the shadow of The Wrekin, were left terrified after their peace was shattered by three "thunderous" bangs in the middle of the night.

They claim the noise was created by air bombs or fireworks being hurled directly at the camp.

But they have vowed to hold firm and have now set up a 24-hour guard to protect the camp from further attacks.

One of the campaigners, known only as Chris for legal reasons, said today: "It was terrifying, really terrifying.

"It was in the dead of night, deathly quiet, and then all of a sudden we heard these three thunderous bangs quickly one after the other.

"It sounded like air bombs or fireworks and they were targeted straight at the camp.

"I shouted out 'what the heck was that'. It was that loud it was as if we were under attack.

"We had four young children here who were asleep and it woke them up, they were frightened half to death.

"But we will not be moved.

"I have been here for three weeks and I intend to be here for a lot longer yet. We have got a few surprises for UK Coal."

Campaigners moved onto the site determined to stop UK Coal starting work at the site, claiming it would wreck the countryside.

UK Coal appealed after Telford & Wrekin Council failed to come to a decision over the application to mine at the Huntington Lane site.

But a public inquiry was held last year and planning inspector Andrew Mead recommended the appeal be allowed, which paved the way for Secretary of State John Denham to grant permission.

UK Coal spokesman Stuart Oliver put the incident down to "prankish yobbery".

He said: "While the protesters are illegally trespassing on the land, we do condemn any action that could cause injury or harm to these people."

Police are investigating Saturday's attack and have appealed for witnesses to contact 0300 333 3000.

By Wayne Beese