Vandals slashed a pro-hunting organisation's stand at the Labour Party Conference.

Members of the Countryside Alliance returned to their stall in the Hilton Metropole Hotel's exhibition hall yesterday to find it had been attacked during the night.

Black marks were scrawled over parts of the stand and the middle section had been ripped in half. The other two sides had been scratched.

Later in the day a white sheet with words "vandalism" written across it was hung in front of the gaping hole.

Robert Gray, Countryside Alliance campaigns director, said: "We were not shocked but we were saddened to find this had happened.

"Feelings run high over one particular issue that we deal with. We don't mind having a healthy debate about it but we think this is totally out of order." He said he did not know who had targeted the stall.

The organisation campaigns for the countryside, country sports including hunting, shooting and fishing, and the rural way of life.

It has come under fire from anti-hunting and shooting campaigners and been accused of promoting cruelty to animals.

Darren Hughes, campaigns co-ordinator, said the damage would cost at least £2,500 to repair and the stand could not be replaced before the end of the conference.

Mr Gray added: "This is not a secure thoroughfare. People can have a few drinks in the bar then wander back to their hotel at 2am and do this sort of thing."

Two women were arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage in the early hours of the morning. A man was later arrested at about 8am.

A Sussex Police spokeswoman said the three, aged 19 or 20, had been drinking. All three, who had security clearance for the conference, were later bailed.

This is not the first time the organisation has been targeted at the conference.

The stand was also vandalised last year but not as seriously. Swear words were written across the front and holes were cut.

Mr Gray said: "This kind of behaviour won't put us off coming to conference again. We'll be back."

September 29 2005