Police have arrested eleven people after animal rights activists staged a protest outside a meat factory in Tameside.
Demonstrators bought the Tulip slaughterhouse on Bow Street to a standstill as they blocked the factory's entrance.
The protest began at around 3.30am on Thursday and continued into the afternoon.
Activists from the Smash Speciesism group were responsible for the demonstration, which urged the company to change production to plant-based food.
Protesters locked their arms in concrete blocks and plastered a sign saying "shutdown speciesism" on electric entrance gates.
Speciesism is the term to describe the way humans "discriminate" some species over others.
Greater Manchester Police said they had been working with protesters and Tulip bosses to "pursue a resolution."
By Thursday evening, a spokesperson for GMP confirmed eleven arrests had been in relation to the demonstration in Dukinfield.
Pictures from the scene show one person being carried away by officers.
Bosses at Tulip LTD, the country's 'largest pig farmer and producer of pork,' said activists had caused an "inconvenience to operations."
They added that their "main concern" was the welfare of animals in their care.
They said they recognised protesters rights to demonstrate, having facilitated the actions of another group previously.
A spokesperson said: "The Tulip site in Ashton has worked closely with local police and activists affiliated with The Save Movement for a number of years to accommodate their lawful right to protest peacefully.
"Today’s activity appears to be co-ordinated by a different group."
Bosses said the protesters were 'more disruptive'.
"While these activities are an inconvenience to operations, our main concern is ensuring the welfare of the animals in our care and the safety of our people, which this activity has directly put at significant risk," the spokesperson added.
In an earlier statement, a GMP spokeswoman said: "Police are aware of a small demonstration taking place on Bow Street in Dukinfield this morning (Thursday 20 February 2020) and officers are in attendance.
"At present there is limited disruption to traffic and commuters in the area.
"Police are responding to the incident and are in the process of engaging with representatives of a food manufacturing factory, at this location, as well as with protesters, to pursue a resolution.
"We appreciate the public’s patience whilst we work on this incident."
