At least 11 people have been arrested during the third consecutive day of Just Stop Oil protests on the UK’s busiest motorway.
Just Stop Oil said around 10 of its supporters climbed onto overhead gantries in “multiple locations” on the M25 from 6.30am this morning (November 9).
Four people protesting on the M25 have been arrested by Essex Police during the course of the day.
A man was brought down from a gantry at Junction 29 at around midday and National Highways re-opened all lanes shortly afterwards.
Three other people were arrested earlier in the morning – two between junctions 26 and 27 and one at junction 30.
Police intervened to deal with a protester on the motorway between Junction 26 and 27 and put a rolling road block in place.
Following this there was a crash involving two lorries and a police motorbike which left the officer injured.
Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow for Essex Police said: “I want to thank the public for their support, patience, and understanding this morning.
“I know they’re frustrated and I share those frustrations.
“You just want to get to work, make your hospital appointment, take your children to school.
“Already this week we’ve heard how grieving families have been prevented from saying goodbye to a loved one.
“And this has all been done while the safety of the public and our officers is being put at risk.
“We will continue to work to resolve these situations as quickly as possible to keep Essex moving and take action where crimes are being committed.”
Kent Police also arrested two people following protests on motorway gantries over the M25 today.
Officers were called to junction 4 at around 7am where they closed the carriageway in order to remove and detain a 71-year-old man from Cornwall.
A similar incident took place at junction 1A at 7.30am where a 75-year-old woman from Somerset was arrested.
Both remain in police custody.
Surrey Police made further arrests along the Surrey stretch of the M25.
Four people were arrested on suspicion of intentionally/recklessly causing a public nuisance public nuisance, while one was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to cause a public nuisance.
They also remain in police custody.
Hertfordshire Police stated on their twitter that they arrested one protester at Junction 22 of the M25.
Just Stop Oil, a campaign group against new fossil fuel licensing and production, said in a statement: “We will not be intimidated by changes to the law, we will not be stopped by private injunctions sought to silence peaceful people.
“Our supporters understand that these are irrelevant when set against mass starvation, slaughter, the loss of our rights, freedoms and communities.”
Have you got a story for us? You can contact us here.
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.
Sign up to our newsletters to get updates sent straight to your inbox.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel