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Arrests as Insulate Britain protesters defy court injunction to block roundabouts on Crossways Boulevard and Dartford Crossing

A total of 32 people have been arrested after Insulate Britain protesters glued themselves to busy roundabouts near the M25 again in defiance of a court injunction.

The eco group blocked traffic this morning on Crossways Boulevard and the Littlebrook Interchange near the Dartford Crossing, as well as roads in central London.

Insulate Britain protesters at Dartford. Footage: Dean Botten

Police were called to the scene shortly after 8am where people were seen sitting down in front of queuing traffic and had glued themselves to the road surface.

Officers arrested 14 people obstructing the A206 in both directions.

A protester said police arrived to break up the demonstration very quickly but she insisted the group will continue to cause disruption "whether it is for a long period or short".

Following the arrests in Crossways Boulevard, officers attended a nearby car park where an additional four people suspected to be involved in the wider planning of the disruption were detained.

Shortly after 9am police were called to a second incident on another roundabout at the slip road for junction 1a of the M25.

Insulate Britain have held another series of protests at roundabouts near the Dartford Crossing. Photo: @IsThatHolly
Insulate Britain have held another series of protests at roundabouts near the Dartford Crossing. Photo: @IsThatHolly

Video footage showed drivers clashing with protesters as they honked horns and attempted to coax them out of the road.

Officers attended and detained a further 14 people, some of whom had glued themselves to the road surface.

All 32 individuals involved in both incidents have been arrested on suspicion of obstructing a highway and conspiracy to commit public nuisance. They remain in custody as enquiries continue.

Traffic is now flowing in both directions on Crossways Boulevard but queues remain at the Littlebrook Interchange while police continue to engage with several protesters at the scene.

Motorists were warned to expect delays in the area and to use an alternative route if possible.

Insulate Britain protesters at Crossways Boulevard. Photo: @IsThatHolly
Insulate Britain protesters at Crossways Boulevard. Photo: @IsThatHolly
Traffic was held up by the Insulate Britain protests in Crossways Boulevard. Photo: @IsThatHolly
Traffic was held up by the Insulate Britain protests in Crossways Boulevard. Photo: @IsThatHolly

The action comes after a court injunction was granted to National Highways on Monday which prohibits Insulate Britain from interfering with traffic on any part of the road network.

It is one of four temporary injunctions granted to government transport body and Transport for London in recent weeks.

This is the 15th time protesters from Insulate Britain have caused disruption on various motorways and A-roads as part of a six-week campaign.

In total, the group says 146 people have taken part in the campaign and there have been 690 arrests.

The group is calling for the government to commit to insulate all social housing in Britain and set out a long-term climate change strategy for the country.

Read more: All the latest news from Dartford

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