Anti-fur protestors said they will continue their campaign against a vintage shop until it takes animal skins off the shelves.

More than 15 members of Sussex Action for Animals (SAFA) stormed Beyond Retro, in Vine Street, Brighton, over its policy of selling vintage fur.

The campaigners released helium balloons, some fitted with rape alarms, into the shop on Wednesday and only left after police officers arrived.

The protest was part of a week of action against the chain, which also has shops in London and Sweden.

It is the latest stunt in an 18-month SAFA campaign against the shop.

The group claim the shop stocks fur clothing made in the past five years, with some of it shipped in from China.

However, Beyond Retro said they “absolutely deny” selling new pelts and only recycle old items.

Denise Friend, 54, a member of SAFA, said she did not believe there is “any justification” for selling fur.

A spokeswoman said the company strenuously deny selling new fur and reduce waste by selling clothes and shoes that are thrown away.

She added: “We have a strict No New Fur policy in place which means we have never and will never buy or sell brand new fur. Our decision to sell used fur and leather goods alongside other items of used clothing is, we believe, a principled and informed choice.

“All of the used product we buy originally started as a donation to a charity. The sale of these donations to recycling companies generates revenue for charities throughout the Western world. Beyond Retro buys all of its used clothing from charities directly, or indirectly through recycling companies.”