Police arrest 250 people in connection with Essex oil terminal protests
Hundreds have now been arrested since action began last week
Essex Police has confirmed they have now arrested a total of 250 people in connection with oil terminal protests in the county.
Over 70 people were arrested on Wednesday 6th April at various locations across Thurrock.
Police say the arrests have all been on suspicion of a range of offences.
Arrests in recent days include two people who'd been in a tunnel for a number of days.
Police say they voluntarily emerged from a tunnel and were arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage and causing danger to other road users.
Regular welfare checks had been carried out on them during their time in the tunnel, in terms of their health and the safety of them and those on the scene.
Essex Police Assistant Chief Constable Rachel Nolan said: “Despite having a period yesterday when all sites were cleared, the protesters have returned in the early hours today, causing disruption to the business community.
“We continue to engage with a small number of people who continue to cause disruption and who remain on site.
“We want to bring this situation to a safe conclusion for everyone concerned, allowing the Thurrock communities to resume their business activities.
“We want to resume normality as quickly as we can.”
The protests, organised by Just Stop Oil, started a week ago.
Campaigners are calling for the Government to put an end to its commitment to oil.