MARCH 10: ATTEMPTS by peace protesters to invade RAF Fairford ended with 12 arrests.

They were trying to cut through the perimeter fence surrounding the Gloucestershire base, where 14 United States B-52 bombers are stationed.

But protesters from Swindon, who marched to the site to show their support for the people camped outside Gate 10, were not among those arrested.

The Swindon Stop the War Coalition organised the march, and secretary Andy Newman said he suspected the trouble was linked to a group of protesters who arrived by coach from Oxford.

He said: "We were gathered outside the Axe and Compass pub in Kempsford, which is hosting a peace camp, when a coachload of people turned up and then headed off in a different direction to us.

"I thought they were going off to do something illegal and it happened at a different entrance to where we held our protest.

"We wanted to make our protest peacefully. There is a major march with people from across the country next weekend but we wanted to mark the fact that bombers are still on the base and show our support for the peace campers."

The Swindon Islamic Association joined the march with gifts of food and refreshments as a gesture of thanks to the people camped outside the base.

Once again, the march attracted people from all sections of society, with roughly 50 people joining yesterday's protest.

As they approached the base police used special powers to stop and search marchers who were within a mile of the base.

Chartered accountant Ian James, 50, from Highworth was on his first protest march.

He said: "I am here because a war without a second UN resolution will be illegal and morally wrong.

"We are being asked to trust George W Bush and Tony Blair but we cannot because they have lied to us."

Speaking outside Gate 10 with the Swindon protesters, Inspector Wayne Smith of Swindon Police, said: "This is a good natured protest and we do not have any problems with them putting signs on the fence.

"They are quite within their rights to voice their concerns, we are here to make sure they don't do anything they shouldn't."

Inspector Charles Thomas, of Gloucestershire Police, said: "I can confirm that 12 people were arrested following criminal activity in cutting the fence.

"They have been charged with criminal damage and aggravated trespass.

"At no stage was the security of the base compromised."