The incinerator, which will be built at North Quay, Newhaven, was given the final go-ahead at the High Court yesterday after a judge dismissed an appeal against it.

Up to 11 protesters broke into the site at 4am yesterday (Tuesday) and chained themselves to a large crane.

A security guard was locked in his office but later released unharmed.
Other protesters demonstrated outside the site where construction began in June.

Police arrested a 45-year-old woman for obstruction and assaulting police and later four others for aggravated trespass.

The woman is still in custody

Mr Justice Sullivan dismissed yesterday (Tuesday) a legal challenge by Friends of the Earth, Newhaven Town Council and Dove2000.

Phil Michaels, head of legal at Friends of the Earth, said: 'We are disappointed the High Court did not accept that the decision to approve the Newhaven incinerator was unlawful.

'We are still very concerned that this incinerator will prevent the achievement of recycling targets.

'We will now carefully consider the court's judgment before deciding whether there are grounds to appeal.'