A man and women have been arrested in connection with offences after anti-oil campaigners dug tunnels beneath an oil refinery.

Last week Just Stop Oil activists dug two tunnels underneath entrances to the Navigator oil terminal at Saint Clements Way and Stoneness Road Thurrock. 

Essex Police says officers have made two further arrests yesterday as they continue work to tackle and minimise disruption in Thurrock.

A 58 year-old woman and a 23 year-old man were both arrested in the early hours of yesterday near to the site of one of the tunnels dug earlier this month.

They have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit a public nuisance.

The CPS did not authorise charges, so the pair have been released on bail until 26 September.

Assistant Chief Constable Glen Pavelin said: “We are continuing to work proactively to minimise disruption and tackle those intent on causing it.

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“We are using all the powers available to us to resolve this situation as safely as possible for all involved.

“Our continued presence at the site and focus on disrupting the activities of those is, inevitably, having an impact on our ability to respond to and investigate other incidents.

“More than 100 officers and staff have been involved in our response to this disruption and we’ve made around 60 arrests.

“This is a huge amount of time and resources.

“I’ve already reached out to this group this week and would again encourage those involved to re-evaluate the action they are taking, and consider the impact it is having on tax paying residents of Essex and victims of crime.”