Two fathers' rights protesters have been arrested after trying to enter the airfield at Heathrow airport.

The pair belong to an offshoot of Fathers 4 Justice, a spokesman for the campaign group said.

BAA confirmed two people were held after attempting to gain "unlawful access" at Heathrow shortly after 10am.

They were "quickly apprehended and arrested and are now in police custody", the airport operator said.

BAA went on: "The airport's southern runway was suspended for 14 minutes, in the interests of safety. There has been no substantial impact to the airport's operation.

"This was a misguided and ultimately unsuccessful attempt to disrupt the travel plans of thousands of Heathrow's passengers, and we condemn the actions of those involved unreservedly."

The founder of Fathers 4 Justice suggested there could be further protests in coming months as fathers sought to "take the mantle back" from anti-airport expansion activists Plane Stupid.

Matt O'Connor said: "We suspended direct action campaigning in September last year, but we obviously understand that there are many frustrated fathers out there who want to engage in direct action.

"To be honest I think it's inevitable at some point there will be another upsurge in direct action akin to what went on before."

Fathers 4 Justice campaigns for equal parental access to children and has been critical of the way fathers are treated in family courts.

The group has been responsible for a series of demonstrations in the past, many involving protesters dressed up in superhero costumes.