This is the moment we disrupted an attempt by Extinction Rebellion to block a road.
We predicted where activists might strike, taking immediate action.
Throughout the past seven days, we’ve responded to several disruptive protests in London.
#THREAD
When activists put up a pink table near to Covent Garden, several people were inside the structure, with complicated lock-on devices.
Our specialist teams worked through the night to remove people safely and methodically. Roads were open the following day.
We also responded with @CityPolice when roads around Mansion House were blocked with a complex bamboo structure.
Once again our specialists worked swiftly and safely to dismantle this structure as quickly as possible. Here's a photo as they looked to remove lock-on devices.
Back on the ground, here we are removing a protester who has locked their arm into a suitcase. This was in #Whitehall.
While this looks innocent, inside is a complicated set of lock-ons, which takes time to remove. Teams train all year round to have the skills to safely react.
Some of this work can take time and requires specialists assets to help us remove people who, at times, can put themselves in harms way.
These team are always on standby and can respond anywhere within the city.
Tower Bridge has been cleared and traffic is flowing.
More📸 of the challenges officers faced today. Removing these lock-on devices is not impossible, but it takes time. As you can see, our removal teams have the expertise to respond safely.
In addition to the caravan blocking Tower Bridge & the blue van blocking the approach on Mansell Street, protesters also lay down on the junction to Tower Bridge.
They used devices such as this to frustrate the removal efforts. Again, we have the tools to remove these lock-ons.
We see many comments and questions asking why this work can't be quicker and use more direct tactics.
While we understand the publics frustration, we must consider the safety of everyone involved - including our officers.
This work is painstaking but we work as quick as we can.
Share this Scrolly Tale with your friends.
A Scrolly Tale is a new way to read Twitter threads with a more visually immersive experience.
Discover more beautiful Scrolly Tales like this.