City of London Police officers have made arrests after climate activists launched a second day of action in the Square Mile.
The force said it made arrests in Tower Hamlets earlier in the day when they stopped a van which was linked to Extinction Rebellion.
This comes after hundreds of activists descended on the Square Mile on Tuesday, targeting four insurers, including at The Walkie-Talkie building.
Nine people were arrested after protesters targeted the lobbies of the offices of Tokio Marine in the Walkie Talkie building, Probitas at Leadenhall Street, Talbot at Threadneedle Street and the HQ of Travelers in Creechurch Place.
On Wednesday at around lunchtime, the City of London Police said on Twitter: “Officers are responding to another day of activity by XR activists in the City of London.”
“Officers stopped a van in Tower Hamlets believed to be linked to XR. Following a search of the vehicle officers found black paint and equipment which they believe could spray the paint. A man has been arrested on possession of articles with intent to commit criminal damage.”
They posted an image of a van full of equipment, including a megaphone and paint-covered items.
It was reported activists were demonstrating in Fenchurch Street, which is the location of The Walkie-Talkie building.
Extinction Rebellion, which is running a ‘week of action’ in the City protesting its links to the fossil fuel industry, took to Twitter to complain its activists were being detained.
“Ordinary protestors are RIGHT NOW being SEARCHED AND ARRESTED for joining a peaceful march through the city of London to demand insurance companies stop insuring #fossilfuel projects. THIS IS A DIRECT THREAT ON OUR RIGHT TO PROTEST!”, the group said.
Today it was also reported that insurance workers have been warned they may be subject to unexpected guests whilst enjoying a pint in Leadenhall Market on Thursday.
City employees have been told they can expect climate protesters to accost them while having an unsuspecting drink, over their ‘complicity’ in environmental issues.