FOUR animal rights activists denied charges connected to a raid at a Lincolnshire farm.

The farm was targeted because of its links to the Huntingdon Life Sciences research company, Lincoln Crown Court heard.

The group are Dean Cain (27) of King Street, Ulverston, Cumbria, Luke Steele (18) of Woodside View, Leeds, Victoria Waterhouse-Taylor (18) of Eva Street, Rusholme, Manchester, and a 17-year- old boy from Manchester, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

All four pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to cause damage at Highgate Farm, Normanby-by- Spital, north of Lincoln, between April 13 and October 13.

The four also denied charges of interfering with a contractual relationship so as to harm an animal research establishment and a further conspiracy.

Cain and Steele were each remanded in custody. Waterhouse-Taylor and the 17-year-old boy were each granted conditional bail and the hearing was adjourned until next year.

Highgate Farm was previously raided by activists in January when 129 rabbits were stolen and £100,000 damage caused by a group claiming links to the Animal Liberation Front.

None of the four are charged with any offence in connection with this incident.