More than 70 arrested as Just Stop Oil protests continue in Essex
Demonstrators broke into the Navigator Terminal in Thurrock earlier
Last updated 6th Apr 2022
Police say a further 70 people have been arrested as Just Stop Oil campaigners continue their demonstrations at oil terminals in the county.
A group broke into the Navigator Terminal in Thurrock earlier. They're calling on the government to roll back its commitment to using fossil fuels.
Those arrested are being questioned on suspicion of a number of offences and were detained in various locations across Thurrock.
Essex Police has made at least 250 arrests in connection with the demonstrations, which started last week.
A 'small number' of protestors remain at one of the sites, but authrities claim all other locations targeted are now operating as nomal.
Two more people were arrested after 5:30pm yesterday in Grays on suspicion of criminal damage and causing danger to road users.
It's after two people voluntarily came out of tunnel they'd been occupying for the past two days.
A group of seven were also detained shortly before 5pm yesterday, on suspicion of causing a public nuisance and obstructing a highway.
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.