Terrifying footage on social media appears to show fireworks being set off near to the QEII bridge in Dartford – the place where Just Stop Oil protesters have set up.

At 5am on Monday, two climbers ascended the two 84m masts on the North side of the QEII Bridge. 

In a nine-second clip titled “shooting fireworks at Dartford Bridge protestor” on YouTube, it appears fireworks have been let off near to where the environmental activists are.

However, there is currently nothing to definitely suggest that the video of the fireworks was taken on the night when the protesters were above the bridge.

A spokesperson for Kent Police said it is aware of the video circulating online and that it is looking to identify any offences which may have been committed.

The full statement from Kent Police said: “We are aware of a video circulating online which appears to show fireworks being set off in Greenhithe near to the QEII bridge, Dartford.

"Officers are making inquiries to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the video and to identify any offences which may have been committed.”

News Shopper: Just Stop Oil protesters at Dartford CrossingJust Stop Oil protesters at Dartford Crossing (Image: Just Stop Oil)

The video, which has been viewed more than 11,000 times on YouTube, has received mixed responses online.

One person commented on the video and said: "You’re shooting fireworks at a protester? “That sounds super illegal.”

Another person commented: “If the police don't get a grip then the people will act."

The protesters were quick to share an update from the bridge this morning, saying they were “cold, didn’t sleep much, but OK”.

Just Stop Oil said in a statement that two supporters of the group had scaled the structure “to demand that the Government halts all new oil and gas licences and consents”.  

News Shopper: Just Stop Oil protesters at Dartford CrossingJust Stop Oil protesters at Dartford Crossing (Image: Just Stop Oil)

Morgan, a civil engineer from London who is one of the protesters who climbed the bridge, said in a video published on Twitter: “We just survived the first night up here. 

“I was pretty cold, didn’t sleep much but I’m OK. 

“We’re up here until the Government makes a meaningful statement to cancel all new licences and consents for oil and gas extraction. 

"Oil and gas are killing us now and it’s driving millions into poverty this winter. 

“We have to have an emergency transition to renewable energy, quite a stable, affordable energy. 

"We’ve got to pay for that transition using the profits of the oil and the gas industry and the rich. 

“Now is the moment for civil resistance. Come and do what you can at this pivotal moment in history.” 

Highways England has said there is no estimation for when the bridge may re-open at this stage.  

Today there is approximately six miles of congestion in both directions on approach to the crossing as the bridge remains closed.  

Another protester, identified only as Marcus, 33, a teacher also from London, said: “Only direct action will now help to reach the social tipping point we so urgently need.”  

MP for Dartford, Gareth Johnson, hopes the members of the group are "locked up" for causing "traffic misery" to people in and around Dartford.  

Gareth explained that the actions of the protestors will not fix poor air quality in Dartford, but it will add to the problem.  

His full statement said: “I totally deplore the actions of the protesters at the Dartford Crossing today, which is yet again, causing traffic misery to people in and around Dartford.   

“It is yet another example of how utterly selfish these protesters are.  

“This kind of reprehensible, disruptive action is simply wrong and has no consideration for the general public as well as being counter-productive to their cause.  

“It is wrong for this group to impose their views on people who are just trying to get to work and take their children to school.  

“Dartford has poor air quality as it is, and the actions of these people will only add to it.  

“I hope the police are able to bring this incident to a close quickly and the protesters are locked up.”  

A spokesperson for Essex Police said it is their “priority” is to “keep people safe and keep Essex moving”.  

It explained that the force will take action against anyone who “puts life in danger” or thinks they can “selfishly stop others getting to work or getting on with their lives.”  

A spokesperson for Essex Police said: “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 protesters are currently situated and it may take some but we are working as quickly as possible.”  

 “We will take action against anyone who puts life in danger or thinks 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 through the day.”  

National Highways tweeted: "The QEIIBridge at #DartfordCrossing remains CLOSED this morning due to the ongoing protest activity.  

"There is no estimation for when the bridge may re-open at this stage.  

"There's still approximately six miles of congestion in both directions on approach to the crossing."  

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