Arrests after Greenpeace gas protesters climb chimney stacks

A group of environmental protestors have climbed to the top of two 75m (246ft) high chimney stacks at a gas-fired power station in Nottinghamshire.

Greenpeace said eight activists had scaled two of the chimney stacks at Staythorpe Power Station near Newark in a protest over the role gas plays in setting electricity prices.

Nottinghamshire Police said officers were at the scene and four protestors had since come down, who were arrested for trespassing and taken into custody.

A spokesperson for RWE, the energy company which owns the facility, said the power station remained operational and the firm’s priority was the safety of everyone on site.

Nottinghamshire Police said officers were continuing to engage with the remaining protesters at the power station.

A spokesperson for RWE said: “Early this morning, a group of protestors gained access to Staythorpe Power Station near Newark.

“At the time of the incident, the power station was operational and continues to produce power.

“As the situation evolves, our foremost priority is the safety and wellbeing of everyone on site, including our staff, contractors, and the protestors.

“We are closely monitoring the situation and working collaboratively with the relevant authorities to ensure that all necessary safety measures are in place.”