Police braced for climate protests

Police and climate change campaigners are preparing for a day of civil disobedience across London which both sides accept may bring parts of the world's busiest airport to a standstill tomorrow afternoon.

With more than 1,200 people in the camp for climate action last night and several thousand more expected by tomorrow, Heathrow airport was on alert with more than 2,000 security guards employed by BAA and 2,400 police officers.

Yesterday the police warned that anarchists could use the green movement as a cover to create chaos at the airport. Metropolitan police assistant commissioner Tarique Ghaffur told journalists: "We know some of them are quite happy to have confrontation with the police."

The campaigners said their first target was the aviation industry. On a provisional list drawn up by the camp are airport owners BAA, cargo handlers, and aviation lobby groups. Protesters warned that the incomplete Terminal 5 and the Royal Bank of Scotland could be targeted.

A camp spokesman said: "There have been no proposals for aggressive actions.

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