A stash of knives and makeshift weapons has been uncovered by police during searches near the Hoo climate camp.

The weapons, which include an adapted knife, replica throwing star, knife block containing knives and a large chain with a padlock were found hidden in a wooded area by the camp.

The items, discovered last night, were today put on display.

Police claim the items point to the fact some protestors were intent on unlawful action.

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The seized equipment, recovered since Thursday last week, includes large quantities of superglue, bolt croppers, padded suits, climbing ropes and metal pipes adapted in a way used at other protests to carry out tactics known as 'lock-ons.' Flares and grappling hooks have also been confiscated.

Assistant Chief Constable Gary Beautridge said: "There is no justification whatsoever for having these weapons. I would suggest that a minority of people had hidden them with the intention of causing harm to police officers, and possibly to the horses or dogs that we are using on patrol.

"And if you look at the equipment we have seized, it is clear to me the plan was to use these items for criminal purposes.

"I have to say again that Kent Police is committed to policing lawful protest and we do recognise that most of the people attending are responsible and law-abiding.

"But we have said both to the public and climate camp representatives that our officers will not hesitate to enforce the law where necessary."

Police said a lot of other material taken in Thursday's raid, such as children's crayons, food and tents, have been returned to the camp.

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ACC Beautridge said 12 people had now been arrested at the site in Dux Court Road, Hoo, where an estimated 1,000 people have set up camp.

They are protesting against plans to build a coal-fired power station at Kingsnorth.

But, speaking today, Kent Green Party chair Hazel Dawe criticised the police response at the site.

She said party members were "appalled" at the way police had behaved.

Ms Dawe said she would be writing to Mike Fuller, Kent's Chief Constable, to ensure police behaviour was kept within operational guidelines.