Two charged as protestors target M25 in Essex for a third day
There's been a lorry crash and people climbing gantries
Last updated 9th Nov 2022
Two people have been charged after disruption on the M25 in Essex yesterday, which has continued into today.
Just Stop Oil campaigners have taken to climbing gantries along the major motorway in a bid to block the road.
Charlotte Kirin, 53, of Peckham Street, Bury St Edmunds and 55 year-old Paul Bleach, of Locarno Road, Portsmouth, have both been charged with intentionally recklessly causing a public nuisance.
A police officer was injured in a crash earlier today.
It involved two lorries and a police motorbike, which was part of Essex Police's response to calls protestors were trying to climb gantries.
The crash has closed the road between Junctions 26 and 27 clockwise - a person has been arrested there on suspicion of causing public nuisance.
The motorbike rider has not been seriously injured.
Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow said: "Officers have again responded quickly to minimise disruption and two people have already been arrested.
"One of our officers has been injured as they worked to help resolve this situation.
"Our roads policing officers are dedicated, specialist officers who come to work to serve the public and keep you safe on our roads.
"They do this tirelessly, day in, day out. Sadly, this morning one of these fantastic officers has been injured while carrying out this work.
"My thoughts are with them and their family.
"I want to thank the public for their support, patience and understanding while we work to resolve this situation."
At junction 30, one person had climbed a gantry, which closed the road - Essex Police stopped another.
They've now been brought down and arrested.
Essex Police now say three people have been arrested in connection with this morning's disruption.
The third man was brought down from a gantry at junction 30 and is being taken to custody.
Officers are still working to remove someone from Junction 29 and say they're working closely with National Highways to review when the road can be re-opened.
Just Stop Oil say protestors have climbed onto motorway gantries around the M25 this morning as part of their ongoing campaign to demand that the government halts all new oil and gas licences and consents.
They also say they've been joined by supporters of Animal Rebellion, who intend to disrupt traffic on London’s orbital motorway.