Anti-war protesters held after sit-in demo

More than 25 anti-war protesters have been arrested as they held a sit-in demonstration outside a major strategic military base in Britain.

At least 50 people opposed to a possible war with Iraq sat outside the main gates of the Permanent Joint Headquarters of the British Armed Forces in Northwood, north west London, and refused to move.

The centre is the command post for the country's rapid deployment forces, which would play a key role in directing British forces in the event of an attack on Iraq.

After being given an hour to move off by police, half of the 50 activists were still on the ground and Hertfordshire Police then arrested each one.