A Just Stop Oil protester who has climbed to the top of the QEII bridge says "we're just hanging off some ropes to make it more interesting".

The protester, who has filmed himself on the bridge, introduces himself as Morgan in a new video before showing a line linking him and another protester to enable them to "move to the next phase".

Morgan said that the top of the cable was "not a fun place to be" because of the weather - and so he is now balancing on some steel "120 metres above the Thames".

He explained its the scariest thing he's ever done, before warning there are "scarier things in store if the UK Government keeps burning tanks of oil and filling them up from new oil and gas wells".

He added: "We're going to continue occupying the QEII bridge until the Government makes a meaningful statement to cancel oil the oil and gas extraction licenses."

News Shopper: Traffic at Dartford Crossing this morning (photo: PA)Traffic at Dartford Crossing this morning (photo: PA) (Image: PA)

The group said that "our corrupt politics" is responsible for the disruption, and that it will end when the Government "ends new oil and gas".

An Essex Police spokesman said: “The QEII bridge is closed to allow us to resolve the situation as safely as possible and a diversion is in place through the tunnel.

“This is a complex operation due to the height at which the protesters are currently situated and it may take some but we are working as quickly as possible.”

The spokesman said the force’s “priority” is to “keep people safe and keep Essex moving”.

He added: “We will take action against anyone who puts life in danger or thinks they can selfishly stop others getting to work or getting on with their lives.

“We appreciate your patience and understanding and will keep you updated through the day.”

There are currently delays of around two hours for traffic, according to Highways England.

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