Extinction Rebellion eco-protesters wave flags from the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain at Piccadilly Circus in London
Commuters face chaos on their journeys home as thousands of eco-warriors block roads and Tube entrances in central London with police arresting three as protesters ‘glue’ themselves to the Shell building and smash doors
Commuters leaving London tonight face a chaotic journey home with thousands of climate change protesters blocking key transport hubs during a co-ordinated day of action at five landmarks.
Some activists glued themselves to the windows and smashed glass revolving doors at Shell’s headquarters near Waterloo, while others spray-painted graffiti and hung banners on the building.
Workers returning home from areas around Waterloo Bridge, Oxford Circus, Marble Arch and Piccadilly Circus face being unable to get through by road to Underground stations thanks to the Extinction Rebellion protests.
Police said three men were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage over the Shell incident. Extinction Rebellion claimed they aimed to cause more than £6,000 in damage so they can be tried by a jury in the crown court.ADVERTISING
Activists are targeting five locations – the fifth being Parliament Square – as they demand the Government declare a climate emergency, but organisers warned they could be arrested for blocking traffic.
Protesters are holding people’s assemblies, performances, talks and workshops – with a colourful display of flags bringing normally busy routes to a standstill, and trees placed on Waterloo Bridge making it a ‘Garden Bridge’.
Skateboarders replaced cars and lorries on Waterloo Bridge, with police saying there were no plans to move protesters on – but indicated that the response could change if there is major disruption at rush-hour.
One officer said: ‘It’s been very peaceful so far. Everyone has been really pleasant. The only grief we’ve had is from passing motorists shouting at them to ‘Get a job’ – that’s about as exciting as it’s got.’
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Extinction Rebellion eco-protesters wave flags from the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain at Piccadilly Circus in London today
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Environmental protestors from the Extinction Rebellion group gather around a pink boat at Oxford Circus in London today
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Climate protest group Extinction Rebellion block London’s Oxford Circus today at the start of a week of planned protests
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Protesters gather on Waterloo Bridge in London for a demonstration this morning which closed the area to traffic
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Police officers detain a climate change activist during the Extinction Rebellion protest at the Shell Centre in London today
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Activists from Extinction Rebellion block Oxford Circus with a sailing boat today to highlight the threat of global warming
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Demonstrators speak during the Extinction Rebellion protest on Waterloo Bridge, with the City of London in the background
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Extinction Rebellion activists sit under a van on the road during the climate change protests in London today
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Protesters gather at Parliament Square with banners as they take part in the Extinction Rebellion demonstration today
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Environmental protesters from the Extinction Rebellion group in fancy dress dance march towards Oxford Circus today
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A group of protesters lie on the pavement and road as they stop traffic moving on Oxford Street in London today