The number of arrests is approaching 350 as activists of Just Stop Oil and Extinction Rebellion block access to Essex gas terminals by getting stuck on the road and clinging to fuel tanks with bicycle locks. Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 21:23 The daily climate show Distressed drivers across the country – who already have to deal with rising prices – are protesting against huge queues and closed gas stations as a result of the protests. Police in riot gear stormed a rally on Friday, removing 338 protesters by truck. More than 20 protesters arrived at Exolum Storage in Grace on Sunday morning. Essex Assistant Police Chief Glenn Pavelin said: “We can not stand by while crimes are being committed and lives are being endangered in the name of protest. “We are not against the protests. Our job is to protect lives and catch criminals, and that is what we will do. “Today’s protest is extremely dangerous because of the fact that the protesters have been located inside the area. “Our officers are diligent to ensure that all protesters are aware of the risks involved and we are working hard to minimize the risks this morning. “In simple words: we do not want anyone to be hurt.” Protests in Thurrock cost the force “over 1 1 million,” he said. Mr Pavelin added: “Crime on the ground is not only illegal, but they continue to put themselves and our officers at real risk of harm and that is unacceptable.” “We were fortunate to have additional support from specialist officers from across the country to support some of our officers to continue their day-to-day operations,” he said. In addition to Essex, Warwickshire police said another 29 arrests were made this weekend in connection with ongoing protests at Kingsbury Oil Terminal. The detainees have been arrested for offenses such as criminal damages, conspiracy to cause criminal damage and conspiracy to commit public harassment in what Assistant Chief of Staff Ben Smith described as “another busy weekend” for the force. This brings the total number of arrests to 180 since the beginning of the protests. Mr Smith, who said there would be an increased police presence at the site in the coming days, added: “While we will always recognize and respect the public’s right to peaceful protest, we will take action against anyone who breaks the law or has a significant impact on the local community.”
