Oil protestors block roads in Purfleet as action continues
Around 50 have sat down in London Road
Last updated 8th Apr 2022
Protests over oil use are continuing in Essex this morning with around 50 campaigners blocking a road in Purfleet.
Just Stop Oil begun campaigns across the country last week in the hope of convincing the Government to end its commitment to oil.
They've cause disruption at oil terminals in Essex every day since.
WATCH: Our reporter was speaking to Callum who lives on the road when police spotted someone trying to glue themselves to the floor:
As of yesterday, Essex Police said they had made 268 arrests on suspicion of various offences in connection with the protests.
Just Stop Oil say this is why they're campaigning: "We demand that the Government gets a grip, that they stop lying and they start by ending new oil and gas.
"Right now as fuel prices are hiked and the cost of living crisis is weaponised to justify more oil and gas it is time to step up, not stand by."
Police are working to unglue people from London Road.
Assistant Chief Constable at Essex Police Rachel Nolan said: “These protests are not being effective.
“We live in democracy where people have a right to protest, however I would like them to engage in lawful protest, without engaging in criminality or causing significant disruption to local communities.
"We are dealing with people who may be intent on doing this, swiftly and catching and deterring many before they even arrive.
“Our ability to police across Essex has been effectively maintained throughout the last six days but for as long as these protests continue, there will remain a strain on our police officers.
“We know the people of Essex want us to focus on catching criminals and keeping people safe.
“We will always do that, but we could do even more of that if these ineffective protests could cease.”