Police ‘grabbed protesters after badge challenge’

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Following the exchange, which was caught on surveillance unit footage forwarded to the police watchdog, the two women were arrested and held in prison for four days.

Val Swain, 43, and Emily Apple, 33, both mothers with young children, had approached officers at last year's Climate Camp demonstration in Kent, after spotting four who were not displaying their identity numbers.

The women believe they were targeted at the demonstration against the Kingsnorth power station on 8 August because they campaign for Fit Watch, a group that opposes police surveillance at protests.

A police surveillance unit began filming their interaction with the West Yorkshire Police officers. After the officer's repeated refusals to show his number, Ms Apple asked Ms Swain to photograph the officer. "I'd like a picture so I can make a complaint," she said. "It's West Yorkshire police — no number."

Moments later, the pair were wrestled to the ground. They were told had been arrested over assault and obstruction. Ms Swain was wrapped with restraint belts before being carried into a police van. An officer placed his hand around Ms Apple's neck, and lifted her head for the surveillance cameras.

The Independent Police Complains Commission is investigating. Kent police said it could not comment.