A POLICE officer was injured as part of Essex Police's response to this morning's latest protests by members of the JustStopOil campaign group in the region.

For the third morning running demonstrators access the M25 and, close to junction 30 one managed to climb a gantry.

As a consequence there were again significant traffic delays as the M25 was closed during the operations.

The man who climbed the gantry at J30 was brought down, arrested and taken to custody.

Questions were raised by some observors watching the police operation as to why the anti-clockwise carriageway was closed (see video above).

A police statement says: "Three people have been arrested as officers responded quickly to reports of people trying to gain access to gantries over the M25.

"Initially officers intervened to deal with someone on the motorway between Junction 26 and 27. 

"Due to this a rolling road block was put in place.

"Subsequently, there was a collision involving two lorries and a police motorbike.

"Thankfully the motorbike rider has not been seriously injured.

"Two people have been arrested on suspicion of causing a public nuisance.

"We have since responded to reports of people on gantries near to Junctions 29 and 30 and a further person has been arrested.

"We are in close liaison with National Highways to ensure as much of the road remains open as possible. 

"These decisions are under constant review, with the safety of the public foremost in our minds. 

"Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow said: "Officers have again responded quickly to minimise disruption and three people have already been arrested.

A picture released by Essex Police from the scene of this morning's crash in which a police motorbike rider was injured.

"One of our officers has been injured as they worked to help resolve this situation.

"Our roads policing officers are dedicated, specialist officers who come to work to serve the public and keep you safe on our roads.

"They do this tirelessly, day-in day-out.

"Sadly, this morning one of these fantastic officers has been injured while carrying out this work.

"My thoughts are with them and their family.

"I want to thank the public for their support, patience and understanding while we work to resolve this situation."

Meanwhile two people have been charged in connection with disruption on the M25 yesterday.

Charlotte Kirin, 53, of Peckham Street, Bury St Edmunds and 55 year-old Paul Bleach, of Locarno Road, Portsmouth, have both been charged with intentionally recklessly causing a public nuisance.

They were arrested at junctions 31 and 27 of the M25 respectively.

They're due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court today (9 November).

UPDATE: Just after 12 noon police announced - "A fourth person has been arrested and all parts of the M25 in Essex are now open following disruption by people on gantries this morning.

"The man was brought down from a gantry at Junction 29 a short time ago and National Highways have re-opened all lanes."