Climate camp protesters refuse to tell 'violent' police of next site

Climate change activists today rejected a plea from Scotland Yard to reveal the location of a protest camp due in London next week.

Met commanders said they need to plan a response to help prevent trouble for residents around the camp next Wednesday, expected to involve about 3,000 protesters.

Climate Camp 2009 organisers say police have a history of violence and intimidation against peaceful protesters and the best thing for the public's safety would be for officers to stay away. Activists themselves will not receive texts revealing the location of the mini-community until the last minute. In an open letter to Scotland Yard today, organisers wrote: "I'm afraid we just don't trust the police. It seems every time we have a protest, they turn up and start hitting people."

The camp coincides with next weekend's Notting Hill Carnival. Assistant Commissioner Chris Allison has overall responsibility for policing both events. He said: "I do not anticipate we will find out beforehand unless they tell us."