Twenty people arrested in Essex after reports of protestor disruption
Police say they're still dealing with some incidents
Essex Police says it's arrested 20 people this morning following reports of disruption at various sites in the county this morning.
Officers were called just after 6am onwards to people causing problems in St Clements Way, Chafford Hundred railway station, and an industrial site at Askew Farm Lane.
Police say 10 were arrested in St Clements Way, and eight at Chafford Hundred.
Operations at Askew Farm Lane are ongoing with reports some people are 'at height' which police say may require specialist equipment to deal with.
Two people have been arrested there already though.
Inspector Stuart Austin said: “We are working to resolve these situations as quickly and safely for all those involved.
“We have plans in place to deal with incidents like these and have acted swiftly to deal with them and make 18 arrests so far.
“We are focussed on keeping the county moving and keeping you safe.
“Road disruption is currently minimal and I’d like to thank local drivers, workers, and business for their patience.
“I want to be clear: policing is not anti-protest but we must intervene where there is a risk to life or where laws are being broken.”
Just Stop Oil
Campaigners from Just Stop Oil claim they are responsible for disruption in the county this morning.
The group told us it was demonstrating in Essex and Warwickshire.
Catherine Rennie-Nash, 72, a retired teacher from Kendal taking action today in Essex said: “I am beyond angry about the government’s plans to allow more oil and gas projects in the UK. I have no choice but to be in civil resistance.
"We need to understand that the government isn’t protecting us. The cost of living crisis is a choice, sky-high fuel bills is a choice, new oil and gas is a choice."
Sam Holland, 20 , a student from Leeds who is also taking action in Essex today said:
“Consenting to more fossil fuels is consenting to the collapse of our food systems. It is consenting to the collapse of our societies, and to the deaths of hundreds of millions of people. Make no mistake – those in power who have planned this will be tried for crimes against humanity.”
The group has been causing widespread disruption on and off this year as part of its calls for the Government to end investment in new oil and gas projects in the UK.