Two men accused of causing the closure of the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge in a protest last month have been committed to stand trial next year.

The BBC and other media report that 33-year-old Marcus Decker of no fixed address, pleaded not guilty at Basildon Crown Court to one count of causing a public nuisance.

Morgan Trowland, 39, of Drummond Way, Islington, north London, did not attend the hearing, but the court was told he had indicated a not guilty plea to the same charge.

The trial is scheduled for Basildon Crown Court on 27 March.

The bridge was closed to traffic for two days and all drivers were diverted via the Dartford Tunnel.

(Picture – Just Stop Oil publicity photo)