Eighteen people have been arrested in connection with a protest in South Mimms earlier today (Wednesday 15 September).

Police were called just after 8am to reports of a protest near junction 1 of the A1M (southbound) as Nub News reported earlier warning that motorists from Hitchin and surrounding areas should be aware the southbound carriageway of the A1(M) was currently closed.

The protest becomes another of a number around the M25 this week by climate activists.

Superintendent Adam Willmot said: "Policing protests can be challenging and complex, and as such we have a dedicated command team managing the situation.

"We also have specialist resources working to resolve the situation as quickly as possible, with minimum disruption to the public and local businesses. Officers are highly trained, and operations follow clear, national standards.

[.I]"Our officers were on the scene within minutes of us being alerted to the protest, and attempted to engage with the group, working to balance the rights of people to protest with the rights of those affected by their presence.

[.I]"However, protestors ignored repeated requests from officers to move to a safer and less disruptive location, and alleged that they had glued themselves to the tarmac, making it clear that their aim was to cause as much disruption as possible.

"Eighteen people have been arrested. We would like to thank the public for their patience and understanding."[.I]