Police are responding to Extinction Rebellion protesters who have blocked roads around Parliament Street and Whitehall in Westminster.

It marks the second day of planned protests from the campaign group, which will last for two weeks and take place across London.

A giant pink table erected in the middle of the street had to be dismantled, segments of which were seen being carried off by men in hard hats and blue overalls.

Protesters had locked their arms in the four-metre structure.

The Metropolitan Police tweeted to say that Extinction Rebellion are causing disruption on the roads.

They said: “Protesters are blocking roads around Parliament Street and Whitehall in #Westminster. We have officers on scene. Their demonstration is causing disruption to traffic which we are working to minimise. Will share updates in due course.”

Sky correspondent Hannah Thomas-Peter tweeted: “Now both sides of Whitehall blocked. @metpoliceuk not arresting people yet but trying to contain size of group.”

The protests began on Monday morning, with activists gathering at Trafalgar Square, in what is their fifth mass demonstration.

Campaigners held placards with messages including “Code red, where’s the action” while four people were dressed as the ocean in a warning over rising sea levels.

Gail Bradbrook, the group’s co-founder, gave a speech expressing solidarity with nations that are disproportionately affected by climate change.

On Tuesday Ms Bradbrook admitted in an interview with TalkRadio that she drives a diesel car because she cannot afford an electric vehicle.

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A spokesman for Met Police declined to give a running total of arrest numbers but said 52 people had been detained for a “variety” of offences as of 10.15pm on Monday.

Activists have scheduled demonstrations at St James’ Park and Piccadilly Circus – similar to those carried out in 2019.

More protests are expected to take place in north and south London.

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