FOUR protesters have been arrested for aggravated trespass in the Forhampton area as the badger cull continues.

As part of Operation Themis, Gloucestershire Police have been ensuring that both peaceful protests and the controlled shooting of badgers can be carried out simultaneously and safely.

A spokesman for the force said that police had responded to reports of horns being blown and individuals straying from a public footpath in the Forthampton area at around 2am on Friday, September 6.

"Four people were arrested on suspicion of aggravated trespass and refused to give officers their details," he said.

"A short while later they responded to the officer’s request for their information and were de-arrested at the scene. They were not taken into custody."

Gloucestershire Police released the statement after various comments on social media describing road closures and arrests in relation to the operation.

"A further four people were stopped in a lane with vehicles parked on both sides," the spokesman added.

" Whilst that was happening, the lane was temporarily obstructed by vehicles, including police cars."

The police are to urging protesters to contact them if they had any questions by calling 101 and asking to speak to the police liaison officer.

The liaison officers are trained and selected to undertake the role and are deployed specifically to talk to people or groups of protestors about their concerns and ensure everyone understands what the police are doing and why.