THREE men have been charged in connection with the Essex Police investigation into disruption caused by campaigners from the JustStopOil protest group in Thurrock.

On Sunday (4 September), three men left a tunnel underneath St Clements's Way, in West Thurrock, leaving it empty.

Work has alreaday begun to repair the damage caused and ensure the long term safety on the road.

Three men have now been charged and are due to appear at Southend Magistrates' Court today (Tuesday 6 September).

Xavier Gonzalez Trimmer, 21, of Portnall Road, London, Samuel Johnson, 39, of Keens Lane, Reydon, Suffolk, and Joe Howlett, 32, of Radstock, Somerset are all charged with intentionally or recklessly causing a public nuisance and criminal damage.

Assistant Chief Constable Glen Pavelin said: "As we have consistently said, we are not anti-protest but we must take action when we believe laws have been broken and the safety of the public is put at risk."