Animal rights protesters have blocked the entrances to four UK distribution centres for McDonald’s which they say will impact roughly 1,300 restaurants.

Animal Rebellion are using trucks and bamboo structures at the distribution sites in Hemel Hempstead, Basingstoke, Coventry and Heywood, Greater Manchester, to stop lorries from leaving depots.

The group are demanding McDonald’s commit to becoming fully plant-based by 2025.

Animal Rebellion said they intend to remain at the sites for at least 24 hours, causing "significant disruption" to the McDonald’s supply chain.

A bamboo structure has been erected outside the centre on the Hemel Hempstead Industrial Estate. Credit: PA

A bamboo structure has been erected outside the centre on the Hemel Hempstead Industrial Estate. Credit: PA

The centre in Hemel Hempstead is on the Hemel Hempstead Industrial Estate off Boundary Way and police are in attendance.

Photos taken this morning show police officers monitoring the scene while liaison officers have been speaking to protesters who are lying on the road.

The bamboo structure in Hemel Hempstead. Credit: PA

The bamboo structure in Hemel Hempstead. Credit: PA

Lorris can be seen waiting to get into the distribution centre. Credit: PA

Lorris can be seen waiting to get into the distribution centre. Credit: PA

Two bamboo structures have been erected, and loos to be mostly full of youngsters, while one protester has dressed up as the clown, Ronald McDonald.

Handout photo issued by Animal Rebellion showing an Animal Rebellion protester dressed as a clown

Handout photo issued by Animal Rebellion showing an Animal Rebellion protester dressed as a clown

Protesters have also brought a truck with them which reads: 'Meat + Dairy + Climate Crisis'.

James Ozden, a spokesman for Animal Rebellion, said the action is aimed at calling out the animal agriculture industry for their part in the global climate crisis.

He said: "The meat and dairy industry is destroying our planet: causing huge amounts of rainforest deforestation, emitting immense quantities of greenhouse gases and killing billions of animals each year.

"The only sustainable and realistic way to feed ten billion people is with a plant-based food system. Organic, free-range and ‘sustainable’ animal-based options simply aren’t good enough."

Liaison officers speak with protesters lon the ground outside the Hemel Hempstead distribution centre. Credit: PA

Liaison officers speak with protesters lon the ground outside the Hemel Hempstead distribution centre. Credit: PA

A McDonald’s spokesperson said: "Our distribution centres are currently facing disruption.

"We are assessing the impact on deliveries to our restaurants and to menu items. We apologise to our customers for any disappointment caused."