At least 25 people have been arrested after climate protesters have blocked the M25 near Swanley, causing travel chaos and prompting violent scenes.

Protesters from environmental campaign group Insulate Britain have disrupted several slip roads leading onto the M25, causing significant delays for motorists.

Multiple arrests have been made by at least three police forces, and in one video, an angry driver can be seen trying to drag one of the protestors out of the road.

 

 

In footage shared on Twitter by LBC's Rachael Venables, a male driver can be seen dragging a protester away and telling them "get out of the f**ing way" and shouting they were going to lose their jobs because of the activists as he is pulled away by other drivers.

But Kent Police have said they have now cleared at least one of the roads, arresting 12 people who were obstructing a roundabout connecting the M25 at junction three.

The individuals were detained on suspicion of obstructing a highway and remain in custody.

News Shopper: Insulate BritainInsulate Britain

Surrey Police also said a number of protesters had been arrested at demonstrations at junction 6 and junction 14 of the M25.

The force tweeted: "A number of people have been arrested following protests at J6 +14 M25 8am today. Protesters from Insulate Britain part of a coordinated protest also affected other m/way junctions.

"Diversions set up+working hard to reopen m/way but please plan journeys accordingly this morning."

Essex Police said 11 people had been arrested at junction 31 of the M25.

Officers were called at around 8.15am when a section of road near the Lakeside shopping centre was blocked.

The protesters were arrested on suspicion of highways obstruction.

News Shopper: Insulate Britain obstruct M25 trafficInsulate Britain obstruct M25 traffic

Chief Inspector Paul Austin said: "This incident caused significant disruption and our officers worked to resolve it as quickly and safely as possible.

"I want to thank the drivers affected for their patience and understanding."

The protest group had said they will continue to cause disruption to the public until the government makes a meaningful commitment to insulate Britain’s 29 million “leaky homes”, which it describes as “some of the oldest and most energy inefficient in Europe.”

Kent Police previously tweeted: "Motorists attempting to join the M25 from Swanley, at junction 3, may encounter delays due to an obstruction caused by a group of people. Our officers are at the scene and engaging with those involved. Traffic is moving and being diverted to join the M25 at junction 4."

And Surrey Police Roads Policing Unit said: "A number of protesters from Insulate Britain are causing some disturbance around the M25 this morning. We are currently in attendance at Junctions 6 & 14 and diversions are being set up where needed. Please be aware when planning your journeys today and avoid the area if you can."