Metropolitan Police Say Detained Over 100 Protesters During Environmental Rally In London

The Metropolitan Police said Tuesday they have detained 122 people during a protest against environmental pollution that began in central London on Monday

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 16th April, 2019) The Metropolitan Police said Tuesday they have detained 122 people during a protest against environmental pollution that began in central London on Monday.

Thousands of protesters blocked traffic on several highways in London during rush hours on Monday and damaged the Royal Dutch Shell's headquarters building. Earlier on Tuesday, the police informed about 113 arrests.

"At this time, we have made a total of 122 arrests. Five of which were for criminal damage following a disruption outside a commercial premises and the remaining 117 were made on Waterloo Bridge last night and in the early hours of this morning. The majority of these arrests were made for breaching Section 14 of the Public order Act 1986 and obstructing a highway. All remain in custody at this time," the police said in a statement.

The police noted that "ongoing demonstrations are causing serious disruptions to public transport, local businesses and Londoners who wish to go about their daily business.

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Citing the demonstrators' plans to continue protests round the clock for the next two weeks, the police stressed the need for a "right balance" between honoring the right to a peaceful protest and ensuring that disruption to communities is kept to a minimum.

The police also indicated that they had offered the protesters to restrict their actions to the Marble Arch only to prevent further disruption.

The protest was organized by environmental organization Extinction Rebellion, which previously set up a similar action during a UK parliament session in early April. Then, 12 people were detained. The activists demand that the government address what they describe as "ecological emergency."