FORTY-nine people have been charged with aggravated trespass following a protest and day of disruption at Stansted Airport, police said today.

FORTY-nine people have been charged with aggravated trespass following a protest and day of disruption at Stansted Airport, police said today.

They have been bailed to appear at Harlow Magistrates' Court on dates in December and the New Year.

Seven other people were released on police bail without charge pending further enquiry after being arrested on suspicion of public order offences, an Essex Police spokesman added.

Police arrested more than 50 people earlier today after environmental campaigners said they had broken through a perimeter fence at the airport.

The demonstration led to widespread disruption and flight cancellations this morning amid accusations that operator BAA did too little too late to stop and disperse activists from Plane Stupid, an environmental group opposed to Stansted's expansion plans.

It has led to security arrangements at Stansted coming under intense scrutiny.