Fuel protesters are blockading oil terminals in a protest against the continuing use of fossil fuels. Six people have been arrested at Just Stop Oil protests at three locations in Thurrock, Essex Police said.
The force tweeted: “We are currently dealing with three incidents in #Thurrock, where a group of people are reportedly blocking the roads.
“Six people have been arrested so far.
“It is impacting Navigator Fuel Centre, Esso in #Purfleet, and Askew Farm Lane.
“Drivers are asked to avoid the area.”
West Midlands Police are responding to activists at a site in Tyburn, Birmingham, after fuel protesters blockaded an oil terminal, with a warning of more protests across the country. The force said: “We are working to deal with this as quickly as possible.”
It added that delays were expected on Wood Lane, Bromford Lane and Tyburn Road as a group called Just Stop Oil said it had blocked “key oil” terminals early on Friday.
The group also provided locations for further action in Essex and Hertfordshire later in the day.“Fed up with a government burning your future – join us on the road,” the group tweeted.
It then mentioned locations including Navigator and Grays in Essex, Buncefield in Hemel Hempstead and Birmingham’s Esso terminal.
West Midlands Fire Service said its crews were also in attendance at the incident on Tyburn Road.
It said its staff were “available to support our colleagues at West Midlands Police, if needed”. One of the companies targeted by activists have confirmed “small protests” are currently underway at their Hythe, Birmingham and West London fuel terminals.
Exxon Mobil UK, one of the country’s largest privately owned underground oil pipeline distribution networks, confirmed demonstrations were underway at some of their sites on Friday morning, causing operations to be temporarily suspended.
The oil and gas company said on Twitter: “Small protests are currently underway outside our Hythe, Birmingham and West London fuel terminals.”
“While we respect the right to peaceful protest, our priority is the safety of our people, our neighbours, the protestors and our operations.
“We are working with the police to ensure that safety is maintained.”
The firm said it had temporarily suspended operations at the locations mentioned, but its other terminals at Purfleet and Avonmouth were not affected.
