Police have been called to the Charborough Estate, owned by South Dorset Richard Drax, after protesters got onto the land.

Activists from Weymouth Animal Rights entered the estate this morning with the intention of occupying Charborough Tower.

The 'mass trespass', which also involved members of Extinction Rebellion, marks the 89th anniversary of the Kinder Scout trespass in the Peak District.

Police said the protest was 'peaceful and calm'.

They complained there was a 'huge, disproportionate response from Dorset Police including a helicopter, riot van, two marked cars and an unmarked police car with at least six officers in attendance.

A Dorset Police spokesman said: “We were called at 9.46am on Saturday to reports of protesters on the land at the Charborough Estate, north of Lytchett Minster.

“We are engaging with the landowner and providing advice and guidance to protesters on the scene.

“We are continuing to monitor the situation.

“The helicopter has been deployed to give us a better understanding of the situation and at this stage, the protest is peaceful and calm.”