Climate campaigners say they have halted 50 per cent of Amazon depot operations with demonstrations.

Extinction Rebellion held protests at the Amazon Tilbury site and others across the UK this morning to fight Black Friday deals and shopping.

Videos and images show a huge banner and a rocket model with someone sat on it.

Police are on the scene in Windrush Road, Tilbury and the incident was first reported at 5:30am this morning.

According to reports the demonstrators have used concrete lock-ons, bamboo structures and a lorry to block access.

 

It is understood they plan to stay for 48 hours.

A spokesman for Extinction Rebellion Southend said: "In the early hours of this morning brave rebels across the country have blockaded 13 UK Amazon fulfilment warehouses on Black Friday, ceasing 50% of the distribution.

We are doing this to make a stand against one of the world’s largest companies, its exploitative business model and the system it represents. Amazon exploits our beautiful planet, people and animals so that the billionaires can get richer and at the expense of everything we love.

"Cancel your Amazon Prime. Consider boycotting this exploitative company which dominates our transactions, if you feel you can afford to. Together, we can send them a message.

"Take action. Get out on the street to spread the word on Amazon's Crimes - poster your local Amazon locker."

An Essex Police spokesman said: "We are dealing with disruption, which is taking place in Windrush Road, Tilbury, where a number of people are protesting near to an Amazon depot.

"Officers are engaging with those at the scene to ensure the area remains safe.

"However, we expect some disruption to run into the morning rush hour and we are asking motorists to plan their trips accordingly.

"We will provide an update on the situation when we can. Thank you for your patience."

An Amazon spokesperson said: “At Amazon, we take our responsibilities very seriously. That includes our commitment to be net zero carbon by 2040 - 10 years ahead of the Paris Agreement - providing excellent pay and benefits in a safe and modern work environment, and supporting the tens of thousands of British small businesses who sell on our store. We know there is always more to do, and we’ll continue to invent and invest on behalf of our employees, customers, small businesses and communities in the UK. We’re proud to have invested £32bn in the UK since 2010, creating 10,000 new permanent jobs across the country this year alone, and generating a total UK tax contribution of £1.55bn in 2020.”