Protester Gabriel has once again braved freezing temperatures and heavy rain to spend a second night in a tree at Bonn Square, in Oxford city centre.

The campaigner is determined to stop the £1.5 million redevelopment of the area, which involves chopping down a group of sycamore trees.

He remains defiant today despite Oxford City Council officials threatening to evict him if the protest continues.

Gabriel, who has refused to give his second name, climbed up into the branches early on Thursday morning in a bid to delay the work.

Police moved on a group of supporters yesterday, but this morning a makeshift camp had once again been created at the base of the tree.

Supt Brendan O'Dowda said: "I am happy for him to stay up there and do not think he will cause any harm."

Plastic sheeting had been pulled over the tree house. Passers-by have been handing the eco-warrior food and clothing.