Animal rights protesters have blockaded a McDonald's distribution centre in Heywood.
Over 50 demonstrators from Animal Rebellion have been stationed outside the fast-food chain's four UK depots in Heywood, Hemel Hempstead, Basingstoke, Coventry since 4.30am.
The protesters have blocked entrances and are preventing lorries from leaving to supply approximately 1,300 restaurants.
They say they intend to remain at the four sites for at least 24 hours.
Animal Rebellion say that McDonald's is a symbol of the destruction caused by the animal agriculture industry.
They are calling for a transition to plant-based food systems to stop the climate crisis and to end the suffering of animals.
The group are demanding McDonald's commit to becoming fully plant-based by 2025.
Pictures from the Heywood distribution centre show one protester dressed as Ronald McDonald as he stands in stocks with the words "I'm sorry" written on it.
Another woman can be seen lying on the floor with her arm in a piece of machinery which says "McDonald's exploit workers."
Trucks and bamboo structures are also being used by the group to stop lorries from leaving the depots.
In a video put on social media by the campaigners, some of the protesters can be seen to have climbed up the bamboo scaffolding and used ropes to tie themselves to it.
James Ozden, a spokesperson for Animal Rebellion, 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."
Dave Morris, former McLibel Trial defendant said: "All that McDonald’s and similar corporations care about is making massive profits, in any way they can get away with.
"To do this, they exploit their customers, workers, farm animals and the environment.
"Instead of tolerating this any longer, society needs to act to reclaim control over the world's resources and decision-making, and make sure that we create a sustainable and decent future for ourselves and future generations."
Nick More, renewable energy developer and member of Amazon Rebellion, said: "McDonald’s and the wider animal agriculture industry is clearly responsible for huge levels of deforestation in the Amazon Basin and wider Pantanal region.
"Despite their apparent greenwashing, there is no transparency in their supply chain or independent audit sufficient to support their claims that they are not a driver of deforestation."
A tweet by Animal Rebellion read: "Locked on for workers rights, animal justice & to end the climate emergency.
"We take action to let global corporations know they have to change. THIS IS HAPPENING NOW. Since 430am."
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."
