ENVIRONMENTAL protesters today launched a new attack on genetically-modified crops at Tadcaster's Headley Hall Farm.

The attack, which was anonymously reported to the Evening Press, targeted GM maize growing in the farm's research fields.

The farm, owned by the University of Leeds, is taking part in a Government trial of GM foods.

Last month, the crops were targeted by a group of protesters who claimed to have carried out the action "in defence of human freedom and the environment". The crops have been hit on a further two occasions.

The attack came as Government scientists announced that four of its GM trials across the country had gone wrong.

Updated: 11:39 Monday, August 19, 2002