VEGAN protesters marched inside leather and fur shops to demand retailers end the “torture” and “unnecessary deaths” of animals.

About 20 campaigners from the group Direct Action Everywhere Brighton targeted three shops on Saturday evening.

They were upmarket clothing store Hope and Harlequin in Sydney Road, indepedent boutique Artemis in Kensington Gardens – which sells sheepskins and reindeer hides – and Moroccan leather shop Marrakech House in Gardner Street.

The protesters chanted “is so-called fashion really more important than our compassion?” around the city.

A spokesman for the campaign group said: “We need to recognise cruelty for what it is. We will not have a better world until we recognise the victims of our choices and act accordingly.

“Do not be indifferent to these animals lives, suffering and deaths. The true test of your character comes from how you treat those at your mercy and those being victimised by others.

“Would you skin your pet at home? Would you think it normal if someone wore the skin of your cat or dog?

“Regardless of whether it’s first or second-hand, these businesses are promoting the fur and leather industries and the idea that it’s acceptable to abuse animals and wear their dead skin.

“They are profiting from animals being murdered and objectified.”

Another protester said: “Faced with the vanity and barbarity of humanity, animals cannot defend themselves. Speak up for them, animals are not ours to wear or use as decorations, they are not objects.”

The protesters claimed they felt “threatened” by staff of Artemis.

But a staff member, who asked not to be named, said they felt intimidated by the group.

She said: “The protesters were inside the shop and I was asking them to leave. As they were inside our property, it is our right to escort them to leave the shop. No animals are harmed when our products are made.”

Catherine Williams from Hope and Harlequin said: “Although it was a peaceful demonstration, it was really intimidating because they were inside the shop, and the ones outside had loud speakers. We felt surrounded.

“There were about ten of them in the shop and they refused to leave. Shops next to us came to our help and even the customers debated with the protesters.

“Police came and the protesters left about 20 minutes later. I just want to thank the other shop owners for supporting us.”