Construction of a phone mast in Coulsdon has been halted after more than 100 angry protesters barricaded the site.

Residents and parents blocked two trucks and two cranes from accessing the proposed mast site on Sandown Road this morning in a bid to stop the transmitter being fixed to a building opposite Chipstead Valley Primary School.

The protesters, under the banner of the Radio Action group, said their were already 15 mobile masts in less than one square mile of the school.

A Radio Action spokesman said the 10 workmen remained in Sandown Road for more than two hours before turning back after discussions with residents.

He said the group was concerned about the health effects of mobile mast transmissions, particularly on children.

It is believed phone company T Mobile want to fix the mast to the first floor of the building in Sandown Road.