Seven arrested at base demo accused of supporting banned group

Seven people have been arrested on suspicion of supporting the banned group Palestine Action during peace protests at an RAF base.

Five men and two women were arrested on Sunday outside the main gate of Lakenheath airbase during a peace encampment against the Iran war, Suffolk Police said.

The protest followed reports from some media outlets that a US fighter jet shot down in Iran on Friday had been based at Lakenheath.

A spokesperson for Suffolk Police said those arrested had been held on "suspicion of supporting a proscribed organisation".

"They have been taken to Bury St Edmunds Police Investigation Centre for questioning", they added.

"Suffolk Police has a duty to enforce the law without fear or favour and as it currently stands, not as it might be in the future.

"As such, where offences are believed to have occurred appropriate action will be taken."

The High Court ruled the proscription of Palestine Action was unlawful in February, but also granted the Home Office leave to appeal against the decision, leaving the proscription in place pending the outcome of the appeal.

Sunday's action was part of a six-day peace camp involving an around-the-clock vigil outside the base, set to end on Monday.

In a statement, Lakenheath Alliance For Peace said the arrests happened after retired colonel Chris Romberg had made a speech to protesters.

Suffolk Police also confirmed two people had been charged with wilful obstruction of the highway over a blockade at the base on Saturday.

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