Three Bradford women peace campaigners have been arrested at a protest at an Atomic Weapons Establishment, near Newbury in Berkshire.

About 70 people took part in the protest at the Aldermaston site today and nine arrests were made by Thames Valley Police working with the Ministry of Defence.

The women were part of a blockade of the base in opposition to the development of a laser facility and a reported new nuclear warhead programme.

Aldermaston is the headquarters of AWE's operations.

The Bradford campaigners were arrested after blocking the entrance to AWE Aldermaston for more than two and a half hours.

Among those protesting was veteran Keighley peace campaigner Sylvia Boyes. She said: "The sheer size and scale of the expansion of AWE Aldermaston fills me with horror. This facility is geared up for the creation of a whole new generation of nuclear weapons."

Sarah Cartin, of Bradford-based Yorkshire CND, said: "Their actions help expose the secretive and very dangerous nature of this facility. While the Government remain determined to push through the deadly and expensive replacement of Trident, we will continue to take non-violent direct action at these bases."

A Thames Valley Police spokesman said: "About 60 people have attended the Atomic Weapons Establishment Aldermaston to protest. Thames Valley Police worked closely with Ministry of Defence Police, AWE and Hampshire Constabulary, to facilitate a lawful and peaceful protest.

"Officers were deployed primarily to minimise disruption to the community and to ensure the safety of the public. Nine people have been arrested on suspicion of unlawful obstruction of the highway."