MORE than a dozen people have been arrested after reports of “protests” at three Thurrock locations.

Officers received reports from just after 6am onwards relating to people causing disruption in St Clements Way, Chafford Hundred railway station, and an industrial site at Askew Farm Lane.

So far, ten people were arrested at the site in St Clements Way, and eight at the Chafford Hundred Railway Station.

At the third site in Askew Farm Lane, two have also already been arrested as officers respond to people at height, which they say may require specialist equipment to bring them down safely.

READ MORE >> Royals Shopping Centre sold to owners of Roslin Hotel in multi-million pound deal

Inspector Stuart Austin said: “We are working to resolve these situations as quickly and safely for all those involved.

“We have plans in place to deal with incidents like these and have acted swiftly to deal with them and make 18 arrests so far.

“We are focussed on keeping the county moving and keeping you safe.

“Road disruption is currently minimal, and I would like to thank local drivers, workers, and business for their patience. 

“I want to be clear: policing is not anti-protest, but we must intervene where there is a risk to life or where laws are being broken.”