Just Stop Oil protestors brought down from M25 Dartford Crossing and arrested

The protestors climbed the bridge in the early hours of Monday morning and today were brought down and arrested by police Credit: Just Stop Oil

Two protesters have been brought down from the M25 Dartford Crossing after spending more than 24 hours on top of the QEII bridge.

Essex Police confirmed two men have now been arrested.

Earlier the Just Stop Oil group said the two protestors had agreed to cooperate with police and leave the bridge.

But they insist that the campaign group will continue in "civil resistance".

The QEII bridge reopened later on Tuesday evening after it was closed for safety reasons when the protesters scaled it.

Police had brought in a "raised platform" to allow specialists to work at height on the QEII bridge to bring the protesters to safety.

The bridge had been shut more more than 24 hours after the two campaigners scaled the structure early on Monday morning.

Police had said once the two people were reached, that they would be arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit public nuisance.

Police at the QEII Bridge as a platform is due to arrive to help officers remove Just Stop Oil protesters Credit: Essex Police

Essex Police Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow said: “We cannot tolerate people carrying out activity which puts lives at risk and prevents people from going about their lives.

“I know this has been really frustrating for the public and the disruption has negatively impacted on businesses and meant people have been late for, or missed, appointments.

“Alongside our partners, we worked hard to resolve this complex situation as quickly and safely as possible.

Chief Superintendent Anslow added: "I want to again reiterate; we are not in any way anti-protest, and we will always seek to facilitate safe protest where we can.

“However, it is unacceptable for people to think they can put lives in danger with irresponsible actions.

"In this case, it is clear that we had to act, but that action had to be safe and responsible, and I want to again thank the public for their patience and understanding.”

A contraflow was earlier put in place through the tunnel to keep Essex moving. 

More commuter chaos expected as Just Stop Oil activists remain on QEII bridge
Delays continue for drivers after Just Stop Oil protesters climb major bridge

Motorists are still being urged to avoid using the M25 near to the Dartford Crossing, where long delays still remain.

There are currently long delays on the M25 anti-clockwise between J4 and J1A and clockwise between J29 and J31.

In addition there are also delays on the A2 westbound towards Dartford between the A2260 (near Southfleet) and the B255 (near Swanscombe).

The A282 Dartford Crossing is the only way to cross the Thames east of London by road.

The 1.7-mile QEII Bridge southbound and two 0.8-mile tunnels northbound link Essex and Kent.

The A282 also connects directly at both ends with the M25 London orbital motorway, one of the busiest in Europe.

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