Further arrests over oil terminal protests in Essex
A total of 172 people have now been arrested across the county
Police have made further arrests over protests outside oil terminals across Essex.
Climate campaigners, including members of Just Stop Oil, have been targeting sites in Thurrock since late last week.
They're calling on the government to roll back its use of fossil fuels.
Ten further people were arrested this morning, bringing the total up to 172.
Eight were arrested after police stopped a vehicle at around 4am in London Road, Grays.
Police found a number of items they claim could be used to cause criminal damage.
The group is being questioned on suspicion of offences including conspiracy to cause a public nuisance and possession of articles to commit criminal damage.
Also today, two people were arrested close to a protest site in Oliver Road, Grays, on suspicion of aiding and abetting criminal damage.
All remain in custody.
Essex Police Assistant Chief Constable Rachel Nolan said:
“Whilst we have reacted – and continue to react – to this incident, we also have officers focusing on the prevention of further disruption.
“We continue to work today, alongside our key partners, to bring these protests to a safe conclusion, prevent any risk to the public and to minimise the impact being caused to the community.
“Our aim is to bring the areas affected back to normality as quickly as possible.
“I want to again emphasise that policing is not anti-protest, and we will always endeavour to facilitate protest where we can. However, we must intervene when there is a risk to life or where laws are being broken – and we will continue to do so.”