An animal rights campaigner has branded a large police presence outside her home as "Operation Overkill."

Every year, Marion Eaton, who owns the Friend Animal Rescue Centre, Bush Road, East Peckham, hosts an annual gathering for animal rights campaigners.

Representatives from various groups are arriving today, from both the UK and abroad, for the meeting which will start later this evening.

Police from several forces around the country also began arriving earlier today.

Mrs Eaton said: "There has never been any complaint about the gathering, or any trouble arising from them, yet every year the police turn up in what must be a huge waste of taxpayers’ money.

"I have spoken to officers and everything is good humoured and amicable, but it is just such a massive presence. It’s Operation Overkill and it is intimidating"

Only eight months go, police turned up for a similar gathering, prompting Mrs Eaton to submit a complaint to Kent Police.

A Kent Police spokesman said: "There is a visible police presence in the area which aims to minimise disruption to the local community and provide reassurance to the public general.

"Kent has a legal obligation to ensure that any large gathering of people remains peaceful and lawful.

"Officers will continue to reassure the community with a police presence around the area until the gathering ends."