Extinction Rebellion protest: Activists who blocked five major London bridges vow to bring capital to a standstill again at weekend

Campaigners who blocked off five major bridges in central London vowed today to bring the capital to a standstill again this weekend.

Protest group Extinction Rebellion, who are demanding greater government action on climate change, are planning further demonstrations after thousands of protesters flooded the capital on Saturday.

Eighty-two people were arrested when demonstrators shut Southwark, Blackfriars, Waterloo, Westminster and Lambeth bridges.

Most of them were detained for breaches of the Highways Act, and all of those arrested have been released under investigation. Organisers said as many as 6,000 people joined the march. They are now planning three days of civil disobedience around London from Wednesday to Friday, and a “Rebellion Day 2” protest on Saturday.

Campaigner Clare Farrell said: “The 24th will be another mass participation, public protest and we think there’s a good chance there will be a bigger turnout. We have demonstrated to the public that it is possible to take radical direct action in a mass participatory way, while being peaceful and non-violent.”

A Met spokesman said: “We are aware of a protest taking place in central London next week. A proportionate policing plan is in place.”