POLICe have announced they arrested 17 people during and after the protest yesterday (Friday, 26 November) outside the Tilbury Amazon fulfuilment centre.

As reported on Nub News as it happened early yesterday morning members of the campaign group Extinction Rebellion mounted a protest by blockaded the HGs and staff entrances at the massive warehouse and distribution centre.

The blockade last for much of the day, and though there was a significant police presence throughout, little effort was made by the Essex force to clear the road and it wasn't until mid afternoon that access was fully available again.

In the wake of the incident, Essex Police made the following announcement: "A total of 17 people have been arrested after a protest took place near to an Amazon depot in Tilbury.

"We were called to Windrush Road this morning shortly before 4.30am. We arrived and found a number of people blocking roads near to the depot, some of whom were locked to objects or protesting from a height.

"That situation required a complex and specialist response and the road remained blocked until early this afternoon.

"We have now arrested 17 people on suspicion of aggravated trespass. All will be taken to custody suites across the county. Thankfully, the incident did not cause any widespread disruption and the road is expected to re-open imminently."