TWENTY-four people have been arrested this morning (Friday 17 September) following incidents on two of the county’s main roads.

Officers patrolling in the Brentwood district received reports that a group of people were planning to obstruct the slip road at Junction 28 of the M25 at Brook Street roundabout.

Around 8.30am, officers were able to intervene and resolve the situation quickly meaning the road was blocked for only several minutes.

Fifteen people were arrested on suspicion of highways obstruction offences and other road traffic act offences. They remain in custody.

We also received several calls at around 8:45am reporting a number of people were blocking the on-slip road at Junction 8 of the M11 with the A120.

Officers attended and worked to resolve the situation quickly and safely.

There was congestion for roughly 45 minutes, but traffic was able to move freely.

A further nine people were arrested on suspicion of highways obstruction offences and remain in custody.

Superintendent Sam Smith said: “Incidents of this nature have the potential to cause significant disruption to road users, who may need to get to work, an appointment, or catch a flight.

“Our officers worked quickly to remove attempted protests this morning and made twenty-four arrests in a matter of minutes.

“The roads have now reopened and traffic is moving freely.

“I want to thank the drivers affected for their patience and understanding.”