Five years for attacks on animal researchers

Animal rights extremists who hamper vital research were today warned they face up to five years in jail.

Ministers are unveiling new legislation to stop protesters intimidating laboratory workers. It follows a huge rise in harassment of scientists and their staff, forcing some projects to a halt.

Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt was today warning that the protests were hampering the chances of medical breakthroughs in areas such as cancer and Aids.

An amendment to the Serious Organised Crime and Police Bill will create a new offence of "causing economic damage". Those who put research groups and their suppliers out of business could be jailed for up to five years.

There were almost 200 cases of damage to property at labs last year, and more than 100 attacks on private homes.

More than 100 contracts involving animal research were cut because of threats, while plans for an ?18million science centre at Oxford were thrown into disarray after the main contractor pulled out.

Ministers say the laws will not prevent peaceful protests.