Over 150 people arrested following oil terminal protests in Essex so far
Police have been busy over the weekend
Last updated 4th Apr 2022
Essex Police says its arrested over 150 people following oil terminal protests in the county so far.
The force was initially called to disruption in a number of places in Thurrock early on Friday morning.
Campaigners continued to block roads a depots over the weekend though.
Similar action by Just Stop Oil has been taking place elsewhere in the country.
Police say they arrested 63 people on Friday, followed by a further 57 on Saturday and 35 on Sunday.
Officers say the arrests are on suspicion of a number of offences.
The force says its still working with partners on Thurrock Council and other blue light colleagues to manage the situation.
Assistant Chief Constable Rachel Nolan said: “The operational and logistical challenges my officers have faced in the last 48 hours have been exceptional.
“We continue to work today with our key partners to bring these protests to a swift and safe conclusion, and to minimise community impact.
“A priority has been to reopen the sites disrupted by these protests, and I am pleased with the progress we are making.
“I want to once again be clear: policing is not anti-protest, but we must intervene where there is a risk to life or where laws are being broken, and we will do so.”