Drivers were delayed by two hours as a major road bridge linking Essex and Kent remains closed after a pair of Just Stop Oil protesters climbed up the structure.

Essex Police said officers were called shortly before 3.50am on Monday to a report that two people had climbed on to the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge at the Dartford Crossing.

Just Stop Oil said in a statement that two supporters of the group had scaled the structure “to demand that the Government halts all new oil and gas licences and consents”.

In a video from the top of the bridge, one of the protestors fought back tears as they said: "I'm willing to do this kind of thing because I'm not willing to sit back and watch everything I love burn for the rest of my life and that's what's happening."

He added that they would stay on the bridge until the Government makes a "meaningful statement".

National Highways said the incident was causing delays of two hours, with six miles of congestion on the anti-clockwise carriageway and five miles in the opposite direction.

An Essex Police spokesman said: “The QEII bridge is closed to allow us to resolve the situation as safely as possible and a diversion is in place through the tunnel.

“This is a complex operation due to the height at which the protesters are currently situated and it may take some but we are working as quickly as possible.”

The spokesman said the force’s “priority” is to “keep people safe and keep Essex moving”.

He added: “We will take action against anyone who puts life in danger or thinks they can selfishly stop others getting to work or getting on with their lives.

“We appreciate your patience and understanding and will keep you updated through the day.”

Just Stop Oil said that “two climbers ascended the two 84m masts on the north side of the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, forcing the police to stop traffic from entering the bridge”, adding “it is expected that the bridge will remain shut for at least 24 hours”.