ANIMAL rights extremists have launched a chilling terror campaign on scientists at a Scots university.

The names of more than 100 researchers involved in animal testing were published on the internet, sparking fears for their safety.

The campaigners intercepted the names of the lab workers - based at Edinburgh University's science department - from a firm which delivers rodents for research.

The facility uses the animals to research cures to genetic and infectious diseases which kill millions every year.

The site the scientists' details were posted on is believed to have been created by a splinter group linked to the Animal Liberation Front.

It has now been closed down by the service provider after a uni probe.

Last night, one of the women named said: "It is a worry but when you do this sort of work you are aware there are people who will be against it."

Last year, an Edinburgh University worker's car was vandalised and security in the science block was tightened.

The incident comes weeks after the uni announced plans for a £47million animal health research centre.

Last night, an Edinburgh University spokesman said: "We use animals only in research programmes of the highest quality, when their use is justified on scientific, ethical and legal grounds, and when no alternatives are available.

"The welfare of experimental animals at The University of Edinburgh is overseen by an ethical review process.

"This considers all proposals for work involving the use of animals in experimental procedures and provides ethical advice on standards of animal welfare, care and accommodation."

Ian Simpson, of campaign group Pro-Test, who support animal research, said: "It's completely unacceptable extremists are targeting individuals like this. It shows their desperation.

"Recent polls show public opinion is behind animal testing for medical purposes, so they are reduced to making unjustifiable threats."

The National Anti-Vivisection Society said: "This is likely to be an individual or small organisation operating below the radar. They're probably driven by the excitement of doing something slightly illegal.

"But we don't believe in intimidating any animals - humans included."

In May, four extremists were jailed for 40 years after a sick hate campaign against a family's guinea pig breeding business in Staffordshire.

It included digging up a grandmother's grave.

Jon Ablewhite, 36, of Manchester, John Smith, 39, of Wolverhampton, and Kerry Whitburn, 36, of Birmingham, received 12 years, while Whitburn's girlfriend Josephine Mayo, 38, got four.

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