Extinction Rebellion activists built human barriers to block traffic and close four London bridges, leading to significant delays in the capital.
Climate protesters are on the roads outside the Westminster, Blackfriars, Waterloo and Lambeth bridges, holding flags and banners declaring a “climate emergency”.
Demonstrators were also filmed playing bongos and waving banners reading “Stop Fossil Fuels Now” and “Love in Action” as traffic queues formed on the first day of Easter.
Videos posted on social media showed a number of Met Police officers at the protest site. A Met spokesman said: “We are aware of a number of demonstrations that are taking place today.
“We see pockets of protests causing delays and disturbances in central London. A police operation has been carried out and officers are on the scene and working to control the strike. “
A message posted on Extinction Rebellion’s Twitter account confirmed that the group had blocked bridges in the capital again.
Anti-disappearance protesters hold “End to Fossil Fuels Now” poster in London on Friday afternoon
(Rex features)
The tweet added: “We will #RebelForLife as long as the government acts as a #ClimateEmergency and discontinues all new oil and gas.
“Three years ago, XR built a garden on the Waterloo Bridge and occupied London. We will continue until we meet our requirements. “
A follow-up tweet featuring protesters blocking the road says the group “has no choice but to break” and that the world is “on the verge of catastrophic 3c warming”!
The action comes on the same day as Just Stop Oil, a group of climate activists linked to Extinction Rebellion, staged protests at oil depots.
Activists say they arrived in the early hours of Friday at the Kingsbury terminal near Tamworth, Staffordshire, as well as at the Navigator Oil terminal in Thurrock and the Grays oil terminal, both in Essex.
The photos show people in orange jackets with high visibility on top of oil tankers and blocking roads while holding signs.
Essex police said 28 people were arrested on Friday. They are accused either of interfering in a motor vehicle and deliberately obstructing a motorway or of aggravating the crime. Warwickshire police say 12 people have been arrested.
Demonstrators take part in a protest against the Westminster Bridge riot
(PA)
Essex Police Assistant Chief Glen Pauline said: “The road network is expected to be busy today and in the coming days as people travel and spend time with family and friends over the public holiday weekend.
“Our dedicated staff will continue to work over the weekend to support the Essex movement, keep people safe and minimize public disturbance.
“We also continue to work closely with our colleagues in the Royal Prosecutor’s Office to secure charges where possible.
“As we demonstrated this week, if you come to Essex and take part in a destructive and dangerous protest, we will arrest you.
Warwickshire police said: “Officers are staying at the Kingsbury oil terminal today and are currently engaged in protests after a number of protesters arrived overnight.
“It currently has minimal impact on the wider community.”
Just Stop Oil and Extinction Rebellion activists have targeted oil terminals in recent weeks as part of their demands for the government to suspend new oil and gas projects.
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