Climate protesters have been arrested off the Kent shore after forcing a 33,000 tonnes tanker carrying Russian diesel to do a U-turn in the Thames.

The Andromeda ship changed course late last night in waters opposite Gravesend and Northfleet after 12 members from Greenpeace stormed a tanker terminal in Grays, Essex.

The global campaigners were protesting against the government for continuing to let fossil fuel money flow to Vladimir Putin as his troops devastate Ukraine.

Eluding security the protestors managed to make their way onto the Navigator Terminals, where the tanker was set to stop just before midnight, before climbing onto it and hanging up signs around it which read "OIL FUELS WAR".

Earlier this morning police arrived and eight protestors were, but some still remain in place on the offloading pipes, hanging off or occupying the jetty.

Georgia Whitaker, oil and gas campaigner at Greenpeace UK, said: “The UK’s attachment to fossil fuels has backfired in the worst way possible - we’re funding a war, our energy bills and fuel costs are sky-high, and we’re driving the climate crisis. It has to stop.

“Putin invaded Ukraine nearly three months ago, and yet fossil fuel money from the UK is still funding his war chest. Ministers have kicked a ban on Russian oil imports to the end of the year despite strong public support for it.

“To stand up to Putin, bring bills down and tackle climate change, the Prime Minister must get us off fossil fuels as fast as possible, stop ludicrous energy waste from our substandard draughty homes, and prioritise cheap, clean, homegrown renewable power.”

Countries around the world are taking action to reduce their reliance on Russian fossil fuels as a way to sanction Putin for attacking Ukraine.

The UK has declared a ban on the arrival of Russian flagged and Russian owned vessels, but Russian fossil fuels are still arriving via ships registered to other countries.

Greenpeace claim the Andromeda tanker travels under a Greek flag, but is carrying fuels from the Russian port of Primorsk, supplied by the LLC KINEF refinery and that the company buying the fuel is energy and commodities trader, Vitol.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "We are on scene and have made arrests after reports of people gaining access to Navigator Terminals in Grays.

"We were called to the site in Oliver Road shortly after 11.05pm on Sunday. (May 15)

"So far eight people have been arrested on suspicion of aggravated trespass and we’re working with our partners to bring a number of others to safety.

"Our officers are currently working to resolve the situation quickly and safely.

"Policing is not anti-protest, but we must intervene where there is a risk to life or where there is a suspicion laws are being broken.

"We are hoping this will be resolved safely and swiftly so that our officers can get back to protecting and serving the people of Essex.