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Animal rights activists removed from Nando's at Westwood Cross during protest

Police were called to Nando's branch after animal rights activists descended in protest.

The restaurant at Westwood Cross in Thanet was stormed by protesters last night, just days after targeting a Nando's in Brighton.

It comes after footage was released allegedly showing chickens suffering abuse at farms which are said to supply the chain.

Animal rights activists in Nando's at Westwood Cross (11176358)
Animal rights activists in Nando's at Westwood Cross (11176358)

The clip, released earlier in the week by two animal rights groups - Surge Activism and Animal Equality UK - claims to show "sick birds thrown into piles" and "workers standing on chickens".

Customers at Nando's at Westwood Cross were shown the footage on a laptop by the activists, acting as part of the Occupy Nando's movement.

Orgainser Claire Folan - who recently helped stage a protest at a Sainsbury's meat counter in Canterbury - said Occupy Nando's wanted customers to be able to make an informed choice: "Occupy Nando's urges Nando's to make their entire menu vegan.

"We are not asking for better conditions for these animals, we want total animal liberation and will keep showing up in places until that happens."

The activists live-streamed their protest on social media, using the hashtag #occupynandos

They held up signs that read "it's not food, it's violence".

Vegan Mrs Folan, 34, a veterinary nurse, added: "We urge your readers to educate themselves on what happens to these animals and our planet to bring these bodies to your plate by watching the undercover investigation released by Animal Equality UK."

Nando's has apologised to its customers for the disturbance.

A spokesman said: “We can confirm that there was a small organised disturbance in our Thanet restaurant on Saturday night and we are sorry for those customers who had their meals interrupted. We worked with the police to minimise any disruption in a peaceful way and allow our customers to enjoy their meal and have a great night”.

A police spokesman added: "We were called at 8.25pm on May 25 to reports of a protest at Westwood Cross.

"The protestors were leaving when officers attended and there were no arrests."

Read more: All the latest news from Thanet.

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