POLICE have now arrested 13 people at protests in Thurrock against the oil and petrol industry.

As reported on Nub News earlier today (Friday, 1 April) members of the 'Just Stop Oil' coalition targeted petrol storage site in West Thurrock and Purfleet.

They say they are "demanding an end to the government's genocidal policy of expanding UK oil and gas production."

This afternoon Essex Police have given an update on the situation,. saying: "We remain on the site of several protests in the #Thurrock district this morning. Our officers are engaging with those in attendance to try and bring the incident to a swift and safe conclusion."

Assistant Chief Constable Rachel Nolan said: "We are working to minimise the disruption at Navigator Fuel Distribution Centre, Askew Farm Lane, and at a depot in London Road, Purfleet.

"I am pleased to say that we've worked quickly to arrest 13 people so far for the disruption this morning, and that officers were quick to respond to any reports of further incidents across Thurrock.

"Road disruption is currently minimal, and I'd like to thank local drivers, workers and businesses for their patience whilst we continue to engage with those at the three sites.

"I want to be clear: policing is not anti-protest, but we must intervene where there is a risk to life or where laws are being broken.

"This is an extremely dangerous situation for the protestors to be in. We are being clear on the risks, and are continuing to engage with them to try and bring this to a conclusion.

"My hope is that this will be resolved safely and swiftly, so that our officers can get back to protecting and serving the people of Essex.

"As mentioned, thirteen people have been arrested this morning on suspicion of obstruction of the highway. They were:

• A 28-year-old woman and a 22-year-old man, both from Norwich.
• A 19-year-old man from Cambridge.
• An 18-year-old woman from Thurston, near Bury St Edmunds.
• A 20-year-old woman and a 22-year-old man, from unknown hometowns.

"We await the details of a further seven arrests."