16 Arrested as Met Cracks Down on M25 Protest Chaos
Police have swooped on protesters aiming to cause havoc on the M25, making 16 arrests in a major crackdown. The Met and neighbouring forces acted fast after a man climbed onto an overhead gantry at junction 14, sparking chaos near Heathrow.
Motorway Mayhem at Heathrow
At 8am on Tuesday, a brazen protester scaled the M25 gantry, forcing the closure of the critical stretch and snarling traffic near the airport. Officers arrived within 10 minutes, swiftly arresting the man by 8.30am. The motorway reopened just 16 minutes later, easing the gridlock.
Joint Police Operation Targets Just Stop Oil Activists
The arrests are part of a joint effort with Essex, Surrey, and kent-police/" title="Kent Police" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Kent Police to stamp out disruption by Just Stop Oil activists.
“The Met, in a joint operation with neighbouring forces, has again responded swiftly and robustly to today’s attempts by Just Stop Oil activists to disrupt the M25,” said Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist.
“We are absolutely committed to a quick and effective response to those who significantly disrupt daily life. Since October, over 11,000 officer shifts have been used to police Just Stop Oil protests — shifts that could have tackled issues like knife crime or burglaries.”
“We’re determined to bring all conspirators causing motorway mayhem to justice and will work closely with the Crown Prosecution Service and the courts.”
With big-name protests causing headaches across London and beyond, police are stepping up to keep the wheels turning on one of the UK’s busiest motorways.
