Essex Police are currently engaged in a tense standoff with two individuals perched high on the QEII Bridge. Officers and emergency teams are working urgently to bring the two people down safely from the dangerous position.
A specially raised platform is expected to arrive imminently to assist trained officers in reaching the two protestors. This equipment will enable the emergency teams to safely engage and resolve the hazardous situation.
Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow commented on the operation, stating, “We are working as quickly and safely as possible to resolve this situation. The two people have put themselves in serious danger and it presents a huge challenge for our emergency services. Our priority is keeping Essex moving while caring for those at height and our officers working to get them down.”
He added, “Though we fully support the right to protest, risking lives and blocking others is unacceptable. We will take action against anyone who thinks they can cause chaos with impunity.”
Meanwhile, National Highways has declared the QEII Bridge unsafe to reopen. Instead, they have installed a contraflow through the tunnel to maintain traffic flow. Essex drivers are facing ongoing delays as police continue their efforts to end the incident.
Originally published by UKNIP.