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.

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More from @MetPoliceEvents

3 Sep
We have officers attending a demonstration outside a commercial building on Cabot Square in Canary Wharf.

A number of officers are on scene, guarding the entrance to the building.
Officers also continue to attend a demonstration by separate group in Canary Wharf along Bank Street. Arrests have been made and units remain on scene.
The group have moved off and travelled to the area around South Kensington.

Public order officers are on scene.
Read 5 tweets
2 Sep
A group of protesters are marching from the Tate Modern and across the Millennium Bridge.

We have officers on scene. Updates to follow.
The group have left Paternoster Square and are moving off in the direction of Cheapside in the City of London.

We continue to monitor the situation and remain on scene.

@CityPolice
@CityPolice The group have now stopped near The Bank of England on Queen Victoria St, where they are blocking the road.
Local road closures are in place.
Read 4 tweets
30 Aug
In the last couple of moments, protesters have blocked Tower Bridge. Activists are using a van and a caravan to obstruct the road.

Officers were on scene almost immediately. We are working with @CityPolice to get traffic moving again.
Activists are also laying on the junction north of Tower Bridge, this is causing further disruption.

We will provide further updates soon.
Tower Bridge and the junction north of the bridge, including Mansell Street, continue to be blocked by activists.

We'll be warning those protesting that this obstruction of roads is unreasonable and they must disperse. If they do not move, they may be arrested.

@CityPolice
Read 8 tweets
28 Aug
There is a group of protestors at #HydeParkCorner #HydePark.

Officers are on scene and engaging with the group.

We will provide updates here as this group travels.

There is likely to be disruption to traffic in the area, please avoid where you can.
UPDATE: This group is now passing Victoria and onto Vauxhall Bridge Road.

Officers remain with the group but the nearby roads are currently blocked as the group walk through.
UPDATE: #VauxhallBridge Road is now reopen to traffic.

This protest group is now passing #Kennington area.

There will be delays to local bus services as roads are blocked.
Read 6 tweets

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