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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Jonathan Coles

London's Tower Bridge closed as Extinction Rebellion activists clash with police

Tower Bridge in London has been shut to traffic as Extinction Rebellion activists clash with police amid ongoing protests.

Dramatic pictures from the scene show officers lined up across the road to try and manage the demonstration - while a caravan blocks the road.

Activists were seen at the end of the famous bridge in Southwark wearing aprons emblazoned with Tell The Truth and with teapots with Deniabilitea written on them.

A tweet posted at around 3pm on Monday: "In the last couple of moments, protesters have blocked Tower Bridge.

"Activists are using a van and a caravan to obstruct the road. Officers were on scene almost immediately.

"We are working with @CityPolice to get traffic moving again.

"Activists are also laying on the junction north of Tower Bridge, this is causing further disruption."

Have you been affected by this incident? Email webnews@mirror.co.uk.

The Met said it is working with City Police to get traffic moving (PA)

And, in an update at around 4:15pm, the force added: "Tower Bridge and the junction north of the bridge, including Mansell Street, continue to be blocked by activists.

"We'll be warning those protesting that this obstruction of roads is unreasonable and they must disperse. If they do not move, they may be arrested."

Extinction Rebellion (XR) said on Twitter: "Rebels have taken TOWER BRIDGE, and the junction North of there, Mansell St!
"Tea party is off to a joyous start, with beautiful pink things, come and join us."

The action comes after around 11 protesters glued or locked themselves to the railings inside the Science Museum on Monday.

Five people put their arms through the railings and glued their hands together so they are not damaging the museum's property.

Six deadlocked their necks against the railings.

Some of them were scientists, dressed in lab coats, while others are in clothes with XR logos.

XR began its Impossible Rebellion protests a week ago and is demanding the Government immediately ends investment in fossil fuels that are driving climate change.

As of Sunday evening, 356 arrests had been made as the environmental group targeted areas across London with a variety of stunts.

Scotland Yard said a "significant" operation would be in place for the climate protests over the Bank Holiday weekend but also acknowledged the activists' "important cause".

Extinction Rebellion has said it will be campaigning across the capital for two weeks (Getty Images)

Activists have targeted a number of high-profile spots across the capital, including Buckingham Palace.

The environmental group scaled a fountain outside the landmark, filled it with fake blood and held up placards reading 'royal bloodbath' as they took their demonstration to the Queen's residence.

Some protestors also stood in the fountain at the Queen Victoria Memorial, which they covered in red paint in protest at animal hunting.

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