TODAY (Tuesday, 12 April) brought news of a further 15 arrests overnight as police continue to deal with protesters from the JustStopOil campaign group who continue to target borough fuel distribution sites and local roads.

Each of the people have been arrested on suspicion of aggravated trespass. In total, by midday today, police have made 373 arrests in connection with incidents at fuel sites across the district and police were able to say: "At this stage, there are no active protests and all sites which have been affected over the last 12 days are clear of incident and are reporting business as usual."

Essex Police Assistant Chief Constable Glen Pavelin said: "We of course remain vigilant, and we are using a variety of policing tactics as we continue to tackle these incidents of irresponsible and dangerous trespass. 

"The people who are continuing to renew what they believe to be protest are in fact simply putting their own lives at risk, as well as those of my officers their emergency service colleagues.

"The reality is each time they are taking part in these acts, it is not protest; it is reckless and it is dangerous and we cannot simply standby by as people continue to put themselves and others in harm's way."

Police removed protesters from a borough fuel tank depot.

ACC Pavelin added: "My officers have worked night and day for the last 12 days to prevent disruption and to respond to incidents of criminality.

"However, these incidents cannot be prevented by policing alone. The private companies which are being affected are prosperous industries which are large employers in the area. But with prosperity also comes responsibility to protect one's own private property.

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"Of course, we have responded – and will continue to respond – where crimes are being reported. However, there is certainly still work to be done with the businesses affected and we will continue to work together with all of our partners to ensure that we keep everybody safe and bring to justice those committing criminal offences.

"The cost of our response to criminality associated with the incident continues to rise by the day."

That cost is already well over £1 million.