Kent Police seize clown outfit to "enable a lawful and peaceful protest"

Kent Police seize clown outfit to "enable a lawful and peaceful protest"

Kent Police have been accused of "crossing a line" after it was revealed officers seized balloons and books at a power station protest camp.

MP David Howarth said police confiscated items to "intimidate" protesters at the Climate Camp in Kingsnorth near Hoo in August 2008.

A Freedom of Information Act request showed items taken included blankets, a walking stick, a clown outfit and soap. Kent Police said their aim was to "enable a lawful and peaceful protest".

Protest officers seized balloons (BBC News, 2 March 2009)