A closure of the key Queen Elizabeth II crossing between Essex and Kent is into its second day as protestors who climbed the supports continue to occupy the bridge.

Essex Police says it’s “working with partners” to try to safely resolve the situation.

The protestors are from Just Stop Oil. One is a bridge engineer, the other a teacher.

Traffic is being diverted through the tunnels, but there is a 60 minute delay in each direction at the moment.

Essex Police Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow said: “We understand how frustrating this situation is for people wanting to use the bridge and go about their business. Let me assure you we are doing all we can to resolve this situation quickly and safely.

“It is a complex situation due to the height the people on the bridge are at.

“Our colleagues at National Highways, who have responsibility for the bridge, have made an assessment that it is not currently safe to re-open the road.”

(Picture – Essex Police)