Five people have been arrested at a protest by animal rights activists in Herefordshire.

Members of Camp Beagle UK were among those outside Sequani in Bromyard Road in Ledbury.

The group is opposed to beagles and other animals being used for drug and chemical testing.

A video posted on the group's website shows a campaigner fastened to railings outside the firm.

Police can be seen trying to cut them free.

Throughout the video drivers passing the protest can be heard apparently shouting their support or disapproval of what was going on. The honking of car horns can also be heard.

A statement on Sequani's website said it "uses laboratory animals in order to help our customers identify and predict clinical and adverse events in humans.

"This is done to ensure the highest possible standards of product safety.

Hereford Times:

"The overall purpose of work undertaken by Sequani is to ensure public health and safety.

"Before any new product can be put on the market, regulators need to be confident that any risk it presents is acceptable to humans, animals and the environment."

Police said they went to the protest in Bromyard Road, Ledbury, to "ensure any disruption to the local community was kept to a minimum".

During the protest five people were arrested.

Four were arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage, one was arrested on suspicion of a breach under the Public Order Act.

Superintendent Mel Paley said: “We respect the right to peaceful protest, however, where criminal offences are committed will take action against those suspected of being involved.

“I would like to thank the local community for their understanding and co-operation as we responded to the protest.”

The Hereford Times is approaching both Sequani and Camp Beagle for further comment.