Police raided a camp set up by supporters of a campaign to close the Campsfield asylum seekers detention centre after vandalism at the site.

About 15 officers searched the protest camp outside the asylum seekers detention centre in Langford Lane, Kidlington.

They were investigating increasing amounts of graffitti problem on buildings and signs at the site.

Insp Mike Trumper, head of Kidlington and Woodstock police, said: "The regular monthly protests have been largely trouble-free and caused police few problems.

"Recently, however, extensive graffitti has appeared on buildings, road signs and Crown property around Campsfield. This is criminal damage.

"Police applied to the magistrates for warrants to search the camp to see if there were any items associated with the damage. However, this did not reveal anything."

George Holden, of the campaign to close Campsfield, said: "There had been some damage to the fence apparently, and they assumed it was something to do with us - but we're not the only people around here.

"There were two of us in the camp when they came. They searched all the tents, but they were quite professional."