We'll get you, Morrissey warns animal lab workers

The singer Morrissey has entered the controversy over the new Oxford animal research laboratory by warning those working on the site: "We'll get you".

The former Smiths frontman used a concert at the city's New Theatre last Thursday night to condemn the £20m biomedical research laboratory site currently under construction in South Parks Road.

He called Oxford "the shame of England" for allowing the laboratory to be built and told fans: "If you agree with vivisection, go and be vivisected upon yourself." The vegetarian animal-rights activist, who is currently promoting his new album, Ringleader of the Tormentors, has long courted controversy.

In an interview with fanzine True to You earlier this year, he said he supported "the efforts of the animal rights militia in England" and understood "why fur-farmers and so-called laboratory scientists are repaid with violence - it is because they deal in violence themselves and it's the only language they understand".

Animal-rights activists were, he said, "usually very intelligent people who are forced to act because the law is shameful or amoral".

A spokesman for the singer confirmed that he had made the comments during last week's concert but declined to say more.

A spokesman for Thames Valley Police said they were aware of Morrissey's comments, but would not be taking any action.

An Oxford University spokeswoman added that he had a right to express his opinions "within the law", but added: "We would be concerned if individuals were actively encouraging direct intimidation or action against anyone involved in legitimate scientific research or other lawful activities connected with the university."