AS the traffic rush hour approached this morning the QEII bridge is closed due to the latest action by JustStopOil protesters.

At 7.30am all traffic on the clockwise M25 was being diverted through the Dartford tunnel meaning traffic was very slow between J30 (A13) to the bridge – traffic also slow on the A13 in both directions approaching the M25.

Queues have also built up on the Kent side.

Just Stop Oil said two climbers ascended the two 84m masts on the North side of the bridge about 5am "forcing the police to stop traffic from entering the bridge"

"It is expected that the bridge will remain shut for at least 24 hours," the group claimed.

A police statement adds: "Officers are currently working to resolve a situation which has caused us to close the QEII Bridge at the Dartford Crossing.

"We received a report shortly before 3.50am today (Monday 17 October) that two people had climbed onto the bridge and are currently at height.

"The bridge has been closed while we resolve the incident which we will do as quickly and as safely for all involved.

"It does mean that we have had to close the bridge to traffic, but a diversion is going to be put in place through the tunnel.

"This is likely to cause delays throughout this morning and this incident may take some time to resolve due to the complexities of safely getting people down from height.

"Please plan your journey.

"We appreciate your patience and understanding. We will provide further updates when we are in a position to."

Updates to follow.

An accident on London Road in the area of the junction with Devonshire Road was reported to have compounded problems.