MORE fuel tankers were targeted by protesters from the 'Just Stop Oil' group in Thurrock this morning (Sunday, 3 April).

A large number of protestors stopped two tankers as they left a fuel storage site off the Manorway at Coryton and a number then climbed on top of the vehicles - an act that has been described as 'tanker surfing' by some protesters.

Police attended the scene in the early hours and, as the morning progressed, carried out the slow process of removing the protesters safely.

The protests began on Friday (1 April) with three sites in West Thurrock and Purfleet targeted, with nine other petrol stoarage facilites across the country also subject to action. Thurrock Nub News JustStopOil, called Zak, explained why he was there. Zak was among those involved in today's protest at Coryton and was held by police after being removed from a vehicle.

The protesters are demanding that the UK Government stops new oil and gas projects.

In previous protests in the borough more than 80 people had been arrested by yesterday, a number that looks set to rise considerably after today's continued action. A statement from Essex Police is expected around midday.

The action by campaigners at Askew Farm Lane, Grays, has continued into a third day. At least one protester managed to dig a hole and remained underground overnight, though police were planning action to remove the campaigner this morning.