Two people have been charged while a further three have been arrested following protests by environmental activists on the M25.

Junctions near Watford and St Albans have been targeted by Just Stop Oil both yesterday and today with protesters climbing onto gantries and forcing the motorway to close.

The demonstrations have caused major disruption both for motorists on the M25 and those who live locally because of diverted traffic.

Read more: Man dies after being found with head injury

Watford Observer: Traffic held on the M25 near Bricket Wood on Monday due to Just Stop Oil protesters further up. Image: Dani DennanTraffic held on the M25 near Bricket Wood on Monday due to Just Stop Oil protesters further up. Image: Dani Dennan (Image: Dani Dennan)

Today (November 8), police were called to junction 20 for Kings Langley at 7.16am where one person had climbed a gantry. A similar incident involving another person was reported at junction 21A in Bricket Wood at 7.51am.

Specialist officers were called in to get them down and the protesters’ equipment was seized. The M25 was fully open in Hertfordshire by 11am.

Another person was arrested and all three are currently in police custody, Hertfordshire Constabulary says.

Watford Observer: A Just Stop Oil protester on an M25 gantryA Just Stop Oil protester on an M25 gantry (Image: Just Stop Oil)

Meanwhile, two people have been charged in connection with protests in Hertfordshire on Monday.

Amy Friel O’Donnell, 20, of Baring Road, London, and Aaron Gunning, 23, of Ebony Crescent, Barnet, have both been charged with intentionally or recklessly causing a public nuisance.

They are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court today.

Two people arrested yesterday have been released on bail while no further action will be taken against three others.

READ MORE

Watford Observer: An empty M25 on Monday near Bricket Wood due to Just Stop Oil protestersAn empty M25 on Monday near Bricket Wood due to Just Stop Oil protesters (Image: Dani Dennan)

Police say they have “robust” plans to “minimise” disruption and make arrests “as quickly as possible”.

Officers have pleaded that members of the public do not intervene if they come across protesters.

Hertfordshire Constabulary added: “We are committed to providing a quick and effective response to protestors who have been significantly and deliberately disrupting people’s daily lives.

“Our investigation remains ongoing, and we are working closely with other affected forces and National Highways to build up the required evidence in each case.”

Just Stop Oil said today: “As long as the Govt is issuing new oil and gas consents and licences, Just Stop Oil supporters will continue in civil resistance.”

Have you got a story for us? You can contact us here.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.

To receive breaking news alerts or newsletters sign up here.

Check out our Watford crime and court Facebook page here.