A McDonalds branch in Norwich has reopened on Monday, after it was forced to temporarily close.

The restaurant in Haymarket shut its doors to customers on Sunday afternoon.

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A sign was placed on the front windows advising customers it would reopen "as soon as possible".

The notice read: "Our restaurant is temporarily closed. We apologise for any disappointment caused."

By Monday morning, the branch was open as normal.

Norwich Evening News: The McDonalds branch in Haymarket has temporarily closed.The McDonalds branch in Haymarket has temporarily closed. (Image: Archant)

It came after animal rights protesters blockaded four UK McDonald's distribution centres, which they said would impact stocks to roughly 1,300 restaurants, including those in Norfolk and Waveney.

Animal Rebellion spokesman James Ozden said around 100 people took part in the protests and claimed the action disrupted an estimated 1,900 lorries.

Police have now arrested 14 people who were involved.

Hampshire Police said officers arrested eight people on suspicion of aggravated trespass in relation to the protest at an industrial estate off Houndmills Road in Basingstoke.

The seven women and one man, whose ages range from 18 to 51, remain in custody.

Hertfordshire Police said six people were also arrested on suspicion of aggravated trespass, criminal damage and intimidating behaviour.

Animal Rebellion used vehicles and bamboo structures to prevent lorries from leaving depots in Hemel Hempstead, Basingstoke, Coventry and Heywood in Greater Manchester on Saturday.

The group is demanding McDonald's commit to becoming fully plant-based by 2025.

Norwich Evening News: A McDonalds branch in Norwich has reopened on Monday, after it was forced to temporarily close.A McDonalds branch in Norwich has reopened on Monday, after it was forced to temporarily close. (Image: Emily Thomson)

A McDonald's UK spokesperson said: "Our distribution centres have reopened and are now back to delivering to our restaurants."

Mr Ozden said the action is aimed at criticising the animal agriculture industry for their part in the global climate crisis.

He said: "The meat and dairy industry is destroying our planet: causing huge amounts of rainforest deforestation, emitting immense quantities of greenhouse gases and killing billions of animals each year.

"The only sustainable and realistic way to feed 10 billion people is with a plant-based food system.

"Organic, free-range and 'sustainable' animal-based options simply aren't good enough."

Norwich Evening News: A McDonalds branch in Norwich has reopened on Monday, after it was forced to temporarily close.A McDonalds branch in Norwich has reopened on Monday, after it was forced to temporarily close. (Image: Emily Thomson)