We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Morgan Trowland, 39, and Marcus Carambola, 33, are veteran activists with Just Stop Oil and Extinction Rebellion. Trowland, a bridge designer, has been arrested in the past for obstruction and causing a nuisance.

Earlier this year, Carambola, a music teacher, climbed up a 120-year-old poplar tree in north London and stayed there for almost two months to stop it being cut down.

The tree was apparently a danger to adjoining properties.

The pair, who live in London, were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit public nuisance on Tuesday after a 37-hour protest on the QEII Bridge, also known as the Dartford Crossing.

The A282 Dartford Crossing is the only way to cross the Thames east of London by road. Linking Kent and Essex, the A282 also connects directly at both ends with the M25 London orbital motorway, one of the busiest in Europe.

They caused major traffic disruption over two days after climbing the bridge’s 275ft masts in the early hours of Monday. Using climbing gear, they slept in hammocks. The action was part of Just Stop Oil’s ongoing campaign to force the Government to stop issuing new oil and gas licences.

It has pledged that it will continue its civil disobedience.

Police used a “super cherry picker” on Tuesday afternoon, to bring the men down.

The crossing was still closed to traffic for a time after the protest ended while National Highways inspectors checked for damage.

A specialist team with Essex Police will lead the investigation and collate evidence for a Crown Prosecution Service decision.

Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow, of Essex Police, said: “We cannot tolerate people carrying out activity which puts lives at risk and prevents people from going about their lives.

“I want to again reiterate, we are not in any way anti-protest, and we will always seek to facilitate safe protest where we can.

“I want to again thank the public for their patience and understanding.”

In May last year, Trowland was among nine XR protesters who glued themselves to London’s Tower Bridge, causing traffic chaos.

He also took part in the blockade of a national newspaper print works at Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, in September 2020.

Source: Read Full Article