The cost of policing protests at the controversial Hillgrove cat farm in Oxfordshire has topped £2m.

The spiralling cost of manning the demonstrations at Hillgrove Farm, Minster Lovell, was revealed as hundreds of campaigners converged on Witney today on a World Day for lab animals. The demonstration is the latest in a series against the farm, which breeds cats for laboratories.

Thames Valley Police have warned people living in the town to be patient. A spokesman said Dry Lane, which runs past Hillgrove Farm, would be closed from 10am to 5pm.

Representatives of Save the Hillgrove Cats have agreed the route of a march with police along the streets of Witney from 3 to 5pm, including High Street and Corn Street. Supt John MacIntyre, head of Operation Stile, said: "We will facilitate a lawful and peaceful demonstration and allow a march to take place through Witney.

"But we will not allow any repeat of the violent and ugly scenes we saw at the demonstration at the farm last April.

Story date: Saturday 17 April

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