A special raised platform is being brought in as police consider all options to "resolve the situation" at the Dartford Crossing.

Essex Police says it is continuing to work with partners to remove two Just Stop Oil protestors who remain at height on the QEII bridge.

When they are removed, the pair will be arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit public nuisance.

A raised platform is arriving imminently on the QEII bridge, police have confirmed.

That platform will allow specialists to work at height and "continue meaningful engagement with the two people".

Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow said: “We are working as quickly and as safely as possible to resolve this situation.

“The two people who remain at height on the bridge have put themselves in considerable danger and as a result, we and our emergency services face a considerable challenge.

“Our priority is to keep our county moving but we also have a duty of care to the two people, as well as those who may be involved in any resolution at height.”

Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow said: “This specialist equipment will allow specially trained officers to work at great height which gives us an advantage in resolving this situation.

“I know this situation is incredibly frustrating, but we are doing everything possible to resolve this situation as quickly and as safely as possible.

“To be clear, we are not in any way anti-protest. The right to protest is enshrined in law and we will always seek to facilitate safe protest where we can.

“However, it is unacceptable for people to think they can put lives in danger and selfishly stop others going about their lives and the public rightly expect us to take action against anyone who believes they can do this – and we will.”

National Highways have the responsibility for deciding whether to re-open the bridge and their assessment was that it was not safe to do so this morning, but put a contraflow in place through the tunnel to keep Essex moving.