New police powers allow just SIX Just Stop Oil protestors to be arrested in London
Six Just Stop Oil (JSO) protesters have been arrested in London after police orders were put in place to force supporters out of the road.
The activists were held in Marylebone Road on Wednesday, after 39 JSO supporters in five groups staged the latest in a series of marches designed to block busy roads.
Protesters walked slowly in the road in Islington, Marylebone and Canada at around 8am, before police used new powers under the Public Order Act to force them onto the pavement.
JSO, which has been staging marches every day since April 24, said that the orders were placed on four of the groups, and the six protesters were arrested “before they could leave the road”.
The Metropolitan Police said that the campaigners had remained in the road after the orders were issued.
The group said a motorcyclist tried to drive through the demonstrators, and in a separate incident a van crashed into a bus stop as the driver tried to get past the activists.
Other members of the public were said to have grabbed banners.
Police have urged motorists who get stuck not to try to intervene in the protest action.
A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said on Tuesday: “We completely understand the frustration and anger of London’s communities when protesters walk slowly in the roads.
“We urge people not to intervene and to let police deal with the situation who, if not already there, will arrive promptly.”
Press Association – Margaret Davis