Just Stop Oil protestors have been arrested after climbing gantries and gridlocking the M25 near Watford and several other areas.

Traffic was brought to a standstill this morning (November 7) between junctions 19 and 22 amid reports of campaigners blocking the carriageway.

There are also reports of similar incidents affecting the motorway near Essex and Surrey.

READ MORE

A Herts Police spokesperson said: "We are currently responding to reports of people attempting to climb overhead gantries on the M25, at both junction 22 (London Colney) and junction 23 (South Mimms).

"Officers intercepted a group of protestors at junction 22, and several people were arrested.

"We remain at the scene, alongside specially trained Protest Removal Team officers, and a road closure has been put in place to allow them to deal with the incident as swiftly and safely as possible.

"The road is expected to remain closed for a while and we would advise you to please avoid the area and seek an alternate route where possible."

At around 10.30am, Herts Police said five people have been arrested and the stretch has been reopened. 

But just over 20 minutes later officers said they were responding to more protests, this time at junction 20 near Kings Langley, and several more people have been arrested.

Just Stop Oil has claimed responsibility for distruption in at least six locations on the M25. A statement on its website claims it warned the Met Police and National Highways last night and asked for a 30mph speed limit.  

Follow our live blog for updates.