Animal rights protesters have blockaded the McDonalds's distribution hub in Basingstoke as part of a national campaign against the fast food firm.

Animal Rebellion have blocked the entrance and exit to the site on Houndmills Road with bamboo structures and vans emblazoned with 'McDestruction' as part of their protest. They want McDonalds to commit to becoming meat-free by 2025, and to talk to them today.

The protest began at 4am, and protesters have said they intend to remain for at least 24 hours.

Angela Duncan, a spokesperson for Animal Rebellion, told the Gazette: "We are targeting all the distribution centres of McDonald's. It will affect around 1300 sites.

"We know that it is part of a system, they are not the only ones contributing to the climate crisis."

She continued: "They should be leading us forward to a more considerate future and currently they do not. They are not addressing that agriculture is one of the leading causes of the climate crisis."

"With all the food the supply to so many we know that there are ways that they could be doing this that are friendlier."

Protesters at the site have been sitting on top of the vans or putting themselves in the bamboo structures.

One of those supporting them, who wished to be known as 'Meerkat', said: "Part of my reason for being here today is well-being and to ensure everyone’s ok and supported. We have had experiences in the past where people have been arrested for supporting them, giving them food and water, and that’s against human rights.

“Within activism there are so many sacrifices that can be made. One of them is being arrested. They are all willing and they all know the risks involved in it. No one is doing it on a whim."

Hampshire Constabulary are at the scene, with HGVs being turned away from the site.

They said: "We are here to facilitate protestor's right to protest, to ensure the health and safety of those involved, and to minimise the impact on the local community and businesses."

A McDonald’s Spokesperson told the Gazette: “Our distribution centres are currently facing disruption. We are assessing the impact on deliveries to our restaurants and to menu items.  We apologise to our customers for any disappointment caused.”