A genetically-modified crop has been destroyed at a Wivenhoe farm in the second attack in two weeks.

The crop is part of a trial into GM maize at Sunnymead Farm on the Alresford Road and the biotechnology firm Aventis, which provided the seeds, today (Friday) confirmed a large area of the GM crop has been destroyed.

Paul Rylott, seed manager for biotechnology firm Aventis, said the fields had been damaged over the weekends of July 7 and 14.

He said: "At least 70 per cent of the GM crop has been destroyed."

Mr Rylott declined to comment about security measures at the farm and said it will be up to Government scientists, who are running the project, to see if the trial will continue.

Two fields were planted with genetically modified seed drill in May at the farm as part of a trial despite opposition by residents and protestors.

Today farmer Jim Dutton declined to comment.

Last month 11 GM protestors were acquitted of damaging a crop trial at the farm last summer after a week-long hearing at Harwich Court.

Andy Abbott, one of the protesters who was acquitted by the court hearing, said none of the Wivenhoe 11 were involved in the latest attack.

By Julia Gregory

Reporter's e-mail: julia_gregory@thisisessex.co.uk

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