A woman in her 70s from Powys was arrested during a protest over the planned storage of US nuclear weapons in Britain.

Angie Zelter, who lives in Knighton, was arrested on Saturday, July 20, as she was among five women who walked through the main gate of USAF Lakenheath in Suffolk.

The group were intending to deliver a letter to the Base Commanders, asking them to stop US nuclear weapons returning to Lakenheath, as it was revealed in January 2024 that the weapons could be making a return to the United States Air Force base in Suffolk, 15 years after the last ones were reportedly removed.

During the Lakenheath Alliance for Peace's occupation of the site, the protesters were kept behind a line in a "green area" away from the commanders.

According to the group, they had intended to wait in this area peacefully until a commander came to speak with them about the situation.

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On Saturday, July 20 - when this had still not happened - five women decided to attempt crossing the line to deliver a letter explaining their perspective.

Suffolk police officers warned them to return and three did - but the group said Angie Zelter and Ginnie Herbert remained sitting safely on an island in the middle of the road.

Ms Zeter said on release: "Suffolk police have been very good to us all - a big thank you.

"They have facilitated lawful peaceful protest around USAF Lakenheath.

"I believe they were disappointed to have to arrest us - after all, we were only trying to open a dialogue with the base commanders."

She said the questions in her letter about the use of nuclear weapons remain "crucial" and said the group "still await a reply".

The same afternoon, several women donned T-shirts spelling out ‘NO NATO’ and formed a line across the main entrance.

(Image: Jill Gough)

Suffolk Police added: “Police on Saturday afternoon made two arrests at Lakenheath.

“These were two women, both aged in their 70s. They were arrested on suspicion of trespass on a protected site under section 128 of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act.

“Both were taken to Bury St Edmunds Police Investigation Centre for questioning and both subsequently released on bail to answer 29 July, pending further enquiries.”