A group of 100 protesters today broke into a British defence site which could play a key role in the United States `Son of Star Wars' missile defence system.
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Protesters against the `Son of Star Wars' missile defence system.
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British, Danish and American protesters were among a group of activists occupying three areas in the Menwith Hill base in northern England, campaign group Greenpeace said.
US President Mr George W. Bush's proposed shield system is intended to protect the US and its allies from long range missile attack.
British Prime Mr Minister Tony Blair has said he has taken no decision on whether to back the project but his spokesman has signalled broad support.
Many Europeans are sceptical about the proposed missile shield's capability after some test failures. They are also concerned that the US should not tear up key arms control treaties with Russia that limit such defences.
Greenpeace said 50 activists, some carrying flags with the message "Star Wars Starts Wars" and others dressed as missiles, had gone in through the base's front gate. Others had scaled the razor wire perimeter fence.
Greenpeace member Ms Helen Wallace said: "I am chained to a water tower inside the site."
"We are going to stay here to make our point that Menwith Hill is part of Bush's dangerous Star Wars plan and we want Tony Blair to stop that," she told BBC radio.
A Ministry of Defence spokeswoman said protesters were on a water tower and on the roof of the control room after a group of 100 had rushed the main gate and scaled the fence.
There have been a number of arrests, she added.
Greenpeace said if Britain gives the go-ahead, Menwith Hill will be used as a ground relay station to transmit information on missile location and trajectory back to the US to help with targetting for interceptor missiles.