AFTER a brief respite from protesters yesterday (Saturday, 9 April) Essex Police were again called into action today and made a further nine arrests of JustStopOil protesters following campaign action in Thurrock.

Those arrested are currently in custody being questioned on suspicion of various offences.

Assistant Chief Constable Rachel Nolan said: "As the protests enter their second week, I and my colleagues, want to reiterate that we are not anti-protest.

"Anyone who attends any location and wants to conduct a peaceful protest in a public area will be allowed to do so in a responsible, respectful and meaningful way.

"But we have been dealing with people who are trespassing into restricted areas holding flammable chemicals, posing dangers to themselves and others and its totally unacceptable.

"Some people have already been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage.

"Their risky behaviour cannot be allowed to take place in such critical locations which could be catastrophic if there were accidental or deliberate actions causing leakage or fire.

"We want to carry out policing activities that keep everyone safe, including people intent on protesting, and that is what we will continue to do.

"But our officers, residents, business communities and the general public need to be considered by the protesters too. This is not a one-way street.

"Our officers need to continue their day-to-day obligations to the communities they serve. Vulnerable victims of crime need our help and support through difficult times, they deserve to be heard too, but the protesters are detracting from that valuable work.

"The impact of these protests is affecting the people of Essex, who don't deserve to have their daily lives affected in this way and for such a protracted length of time.

"We will continue to work with our partners, including Thurrock Council, the East of England Ambulance Service, and Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, and the local fuel companies, and thank them for their support, advice and expertise to help us manage the protests.

"We remain totally committed to protecting and serving the people of our county and are continuing to catch criminals, protect the vulnerable, and bring people to justice.

"Officers remain in Thurrock where a small number of people are protesting. Since protests began on Friday 1 April, our officers have made 356 arrests."