Four McDonald’s protesters removed from giant Happy Meal box and arrested by police

Police were called to arrest a group of protesters who sat inside a giant McDonald’s Happy Meal box to block a food distribution centre from delivering beef patties to the fast food giant.

Protesters from the Animal Rebellion arrived outside the OSI Food Solutions facility on Luneburg Way in Scuthorpe on Thursday, July 15, and have since spent more than 60 hours protesting at the site.

The group says it is “demanding that McDonald’s switch to a fully plant-based food menu by 2025”.

Video shared to Grimsby Live today shows a number of police officers ripping open the roof of the massive red and yellow Happy Meal box as an initial step to remove the protesters.

Two other protesters can be seen “camping” in a three-metre-tall makeshift structure by the gate.

The officers climb over the box and cut the chains to free anti-meat protesters before taking them away from the gate entrance.

Animal Rebellion wrote in a sarcastic tweet: “Breaking: Police rip open the unhappy meal and start playing with our toys; two rebels arrested.”

“We’re here to disrupt their supply chain and send a clear message that the company need to take seriously their destructive impact on our climate and environment, as well as the deaths of billions of animals, and move to a plant-based food system,” said spokesperson Harley McDonald-Eckersall.

Officers remain in attendance at a protest at a food distribution centre on Luneburg Way in Scunthorpe.

Assistant Chief Constable Chris Noble said: “We can confirm that four people have been arrested on suspicion of a number of offences whilst a further nine people have now been reported for summons under section 241 of the Trades Union Act.

“Whilst we recognise the right to lawful protest is a key part of any democracy, we also recognise the rights of local companies to go about their legitimate business.

“Where offences have been committed, appropriate action will be taken, and a thorough investigation will be carried out.”

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