Roman Abramovich is angry about the siting of a phone mast

Residents in the village of Rogate, West Sussex, claim engineers for O2 Airwave installed the Terrestrial Trunked Radio (Tetra) mast next to Forge Farm on Saturday at 0200 GMT.

The mast is adjacent to the 424-acre estate of Russian tycoon and Chelsea Chairman Roman Abramovich, at Fyning Hill.

He joined angry protesters holding a vigil and blocking access to the mast on Monday, in an attempt to stop it being switched on.

The local populace, particularly those with kids, feel that there is a risk of cancer Resident Norman Coleshill

They believe the technology used in the mast, designed to boost emergency services' radio coverage, can cause cancer.

Another phone mast was also put up during the weekend at Bowhill Farm, east Marden, near Chichester, before planning permission had been issued, according to Chichester District Council.

Chichester District Council has said it is considering issuing an injunction to stop both masts being used until planning permission is granted and may also issue an order for them to be removed.

Cancer fears

Sam Howes, deputy chief executive, said the council took breaches of planning control "very seriously".

Resident Norman Coleshill, 63, a retired finance worker for IBM, said Mr Abramovich's estate manager, Dean Hall, had written to the council to complain about the proposed siting of the mast amid concerns for the health of staff.

Mr Coleshill said: "The local populace, particularly those with kids, feel that there is a risk of cancer.

"There are many scientists who feel there is a danger of cancer from long-term exposure."

Susan Moore, spokeswoman for 02 Airwave, said the masts had been put up before planning permission had been granted to meet the company's deadlines.