Police tackling the protest on the QEII Bridge have brought in a special raised platform.

Officers say they "in the process of removing two people" from the crossing after around 36 hours of disruption.

The platform, which arrived around 4pm, will allow specialists to work at height and continue "meaningful engagement" with the two Just Stop Oil protestors who have been straddling the suspension cables since early yesterday.

Police say the duo will be arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit public nuisance when they eventually come down.

Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow said: “We are working as quickly and as safely as possible to resolve this situation.

“The two people who remain at height on the bridge have put themselves in considerable danger and as a result, we and our emergency services face a considerable challenge.

“Our priority is to keep our county moving but we also have a duty of care to the two people, as well as those who may be involved in any resolution at height.”

“This specialist equipment will allow specially trained officers to work at great height which gives us an advantage in resolving this situation.

“I know this situation is incredibly frustrating, but we are doing everything possible to resolve this situation as quickly and as safely as possible."

In the meantime the bridge remains closed.

Motorists have been warned to expect further traffic chaos during the protest by Just Stop Oil, which has seen two men straddling the suspension cables of the QEII Bridge.

Essex Police, who are working at the scene to try and resolve the situation, said this morning the bridge will remain closed during Tuesday's rush hour.

Traffic is being diverted via the east bore tunnel at Dartford, with Kent Highways warning there will be a second day of lengthy delays on both sides of the crossing.

Just Stop Oil's latest pictures on social media show a man apparently lying in what looks like a hammock.

In a video released this morning, Morgan Trowland, the bridge design engineer who slept in a hammock on the crossing last night said: "We've just survived our first night up here, I was pretty cold and didn't sleep much but I'm ok.

"We're up here until the government makes a meaningful statement to cancel all new licenses and consents for oil and gas extraction."

Traffic is still able to travel in both directions through the tunnels, but the decreased capacity is causing delays of several hours on the M25 and the A282, as well as congestion on the local roads in the area.

There are also delays on approaching roads to the M25, including on the A13 near Thurrock and the A2 near Darenth.

Read more: What do Just Stop Oil want?

Motorists are advised to avoid travelling to the Dartford Crossing and should consider alternative routes where possible.

Sean Martell, from National Highways, said: "Our primary concern is always safety. Protesting on the strategic road network is extremely dangerous, both for the protesters themselves and for motorists.

"People rely on the strategic road network for so many things and they have a right to expect it to operate as it should."

Officers have been working to resolve the situation since the early hours of Monday morning.

At 5am today, Essex Police warned the crossing would remain closed.

Traffic travelling southbound on the M25 and A282 is being diverted via the East Bore Tunnel.

Road users are advised to avoid travelling to the Dartford crossing and consider alternative routes.

Just Stop Oil says the two climbers ascended the two 84m masts on the north side of the crossing and the group expect the bridge will remain shut for at least 24 hours.

The duo have now begun 'descending on ropes' and have a line between them that is holding up a Just Stop Oil sign.

They say this is part of the 'next phase'.

Morgan Trowland, 39, a bridge design engineer from London, said: “As a professional civil engineer, each year as I renew my registration, I commit to acting within our code of ethics, which requires me to safeguard human life and welfare and the environment. Our government has enacted suicidal laws to accelerate oil production: killing human life and destroying our environment. I can’t challenge this madness in my desk job, designing bridges, so I’m taking direct action, occupying the QE2 bridge until the government stops all new oil.”

Marcus, 33, a teacher from London said: “Too many people in this country simply don’t know the scale and intensity of climate breakdown as the scientists describe it. The authorities are criminally failing to get this grim science communicated. During Covid the science was conveyed on a daily basis. Why isn’t the most existential threat that humanity has ever faced on the news every day?

“Our political system is betraying the people of this country. More fossil fuel licenses means global genocide. Only direct action will now help to reach the social tipping point we so urgently need.”

The protest is the 17th in a row for the group, with 450 arrests after incidents including a tin of soup being hurled at Van Gough's Sunflowers painting in the National Gallery and the spray painting of New Scotland Yard's famous revolving sign.

"This is not a one day event, expect us every day and anywhere. This is an act of resistance against a criminal government and their genocidal death project. Our supporters will be returning – today, tomorrow and the next day – and the next day after that – and every day until our demand is met: no new oil and gas in the UK," said the group.

A statement from Essex Police reads: "Our officers are continuing to work to resolve the issue on the Dartford Crossing after two people climbed up onto high cables.

"The QEII bridge is closed to allow us to resolve the situation as safely as possible and a diversion is in place through the tunnel.

"This is a complex operation due to the height at which the protestors are currently situated and it may take some but we are working as quickly as possible.

"We want to be clear – our priority is to keep people safe and keep Essex moving.

"We will take action against anyone who puts life in danger or things they can selfishly stop others getting to work or getting on with their lives.

"We appreciate your patience and understanding and will keep you updated."

There is slow traffic in both directions as a result.