McDonald’s has apologised to customers for “any disappointment caused” due to blockades by animal rights protesters at four of the fast food chain’s UK distribution centres.

Animal Rebellion, who claim the action will impact roughly 1,300 restaurants, are using trucks and bamboo structures at distribution sites including Basingstoke, Hemel Hempstead, Coventry and Heywood, Greater Manchester, to stop lorries from leaving depots.

Protestors arrived at the Martin Brower depot off Houndmills Road from 4am on Saturday, and said they intend to stay there for 24 hours.

LIVE UPDATES: Protestors blockade Basingstoke McDonald's depot

The group is demanding McDonald’s commit to becoming fully plant-based by 2025.

A McDonald’s spokesman said: “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.”

Animal Rebellion said they intend to remain at the sites for at least 24 hours, causing “significant disruption” to the McDonald’s supply chain.

One of the protestors at the Basingstoke depot, Josephine Robinson, 62, has come from the West Country to join the nationwide demonstration.

She told The Gazette: “With climate change we are one second to midnight, to extinction and destruction.

“McDonald’s and the whole empire is causing the destruction of the Amazon.

“I have a grandchild and the reason I am here is because when I’m not here any more she will be facing the horrific fallout of the self-obsessed, indulgent lifestyle that we have al become accustomed to.”

Josephine explained that she was in her late 50s when she discovered activism and a plant-based diet: “When I found out about it I thought I can’t sleep in my bed at night if I don’t do something.

"I fed my kids happy meals, I ate meals, I thought it’s what everyone should do.

"But now I’m vegan and it’s not just a diet it’s a lifestyle.

"No oppression of any living creature is ever justified, especially when there are so many alternatives.

"I spend less on food now and eat far better, but you do have to put a bit of effort in to it and learn about it."