Twelve people have been arrested after climate protestors blocked parts of the M25.

Police warned motorists to avoid parts of the motorway after demonstrators sat on the roads during rush hour.

Protestors for Insulate Britain blocked the slip roads at a number of junctions just after 8am on Monday – including junction 3 from Swanley, junction 6 in Godstone, junction 14 for Heathrow, junction 20 for Hemel Hempstead and junction 31 for Lakeside.

A number of the roads have since reopened but are experiencing residual delays.

Essex Police originally said 11 people were arrested on suspicion of highways obstruction and are currently in custody – before later confirming a 12th person had been arrested.

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.”

One motorist told Sky News there were around 2.5 miles of queueing clockwise on the M25 at junction 14 this morning.

Surrey Police tweeted: “We’re currently overseeing a protest at J6 M25 reported just before 8am

Footage shared on social media showed angry drivers attempting to drag the protestors from the road.

Video also showed protestors moving out the way to allow an ambulance to pass through.

“[A number] of protesters from Insulate Britain are at the location, slip road closed+diversion being set up. No arrests made at this stage. Pls avoid the area for the time being.”

Kent Police added: “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.”

Insulate Britain is a campaign group launched by members of Extinction Rebellion who want the government to reduce home heating emissions to zero.

The protest group said today’s disruption was “just the start”, adding: “Actions will continue until the government makes a meaningful commitment to insulate Britain’s 29 million leaky homes, some of the oldest and most inefficient in Europe”.

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