ANIMAL rights activists are believed to have been behind another attack on the homes of cat farm workers.

The homes of three employees of Hillgrove Farm, Minster Lovell, near Witney, were targeted last night. Bricks and rocks were thrown through their windows and two of them had their parked cars vandalised.

Insp Steve Avil said: "It is a very cowardly act to throw missiles at people's homes late at night. The attacks would appear to have been co-ordinated to take place within minutes of each other."

They took place at around 11pm in three separate locations - two in Witney and one in Carterton.

No-one was hurt, but one of the families was very upset by the incident, added a police spokesman. The three sets of attackers are believed to have arrived by car and driven off.

The attacks appear to be the latest attempt by activists to intimidate workers at the controversial business run by farmer Chris Brown, which breeds cats for use in medical research.

Employees living in Finstock, Witney, Carterton and Milton-under-Wychwood ha- ve all had demonstrations outside their homes. And Mr Brown has been assaulted in a car park in Witney. The police have set up 'Operation Stile' to deal with activities involving Hillgrove Farm.

Three weeks ago more than 300 police were involved in protecting the premises during a mass demonstration. Another is planned for May 31.

Police are appealing for anyone with information to ring 01235 776521.

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