POLICE have now arrested 268 people following protests held in Thurrock over the government's oil and gas policybduring the last six days.

People have been arrested on suspicion of a variety of offences at a number of locations across the district.

A statement from Essex police today (Thursday, 7 April) says: "All protest sites are currently clear, and we continue to work closely with our partners, including Thurrock Council and our blue light colleagues, to keep people safe and minimise further disruption."

Assistant Chief Constable Rachel Nolan said: "These protests are not being effective.

"We live in democracy where people have a right to protest, however I would like them to engage in lawful protest, without engaging in criminality or causing significant disruption to local communities.

"We are dealing with people who may be intent on doing this, swiftly and catching and deterring many before they even arrive.

"Our ability to police across Essex has been effectively maintained throughout the last six days but for as long as these protests continue, there will remain a strain on our police officers.

"We know the people of Essex want us to focus on catching criminals and keeping people safe.

"We will always do that, but we could do even more of that if these ineffective protests could cease."