Kingsbury Oil Terminal update - further arrests made

A further seven people have been arrested in connection with protest activity at Kingsbury oil terminal, which takes the total number of arrests made to 199.

Yesterday a suspected tunnel was discovered in the Trinity Road area where a road closure remains in place while the structure is assessed. Five people were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage in connection with this incident:

• A 31-year-old man from Radstock, Somerset 
• A 56-year-old woman from London
• A 49-year-old man from Totnes, Devon
• A 47-year-old man from London
• A 55-year-old man from Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex

This morning, a further two arrests were made after protestors entered the site at Kingsbury:

• A 27-year-old man from Redditch was arrested on suspicion of aggravated trespass and criminal damage
• A 29-year-old man from Manchester was arrested on suspicion of aggravated trespass and criminal damage

All those arrested remain in police custody at this time.

Chief Superintendent Mike Smith from Warwickshire Police said: “Our priority continues to be to minimise any disruption to the community and the local road networks, while ensuring the terminal can go about its day-to-day operational activity.

“We will always respect the right to the peaceful protest, but will take action against anyone found to be acting outside of the law. The tunnel found yesterday has caused disruption to the road network and could have led to safety risks to road users, had it not been discovered.

“While there are not believed to be any further protestors on site today or in the vicinity of Kingsbury, it is important that we stay alert, and we know that local people can be our eyes and ears in the community, as the information you provide can be vital in helping us to prevent and intercept criminal activity linked to the protests.

“I would therefore urge anyone who sees anything suspicious in and around the Kingsbury Terminal, to please get in touch and report this to us as all reports from the community are investigated by our officers. Any information, however small, may help us to minimise any potential disruption or impact.

“Officers will remain on site to monitor the situation and respond where needed, so you can still expect to see a heightened police presence in the area over the coming days. A High Court injunction remains in place which provides officers enhanced powers to prevent and disrupt any unlawful activity. Breaching this injunction can carry a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment.

“I would therefore strongly advise anyone considering coming to Kingsbury to conduct any protest activity to read the order and ensure you understand what it means. If you are believed to be in breach of it, you will be arrested and taken into police custody until you have to appear before the courts.

“Thank you once again to the local community for your ongoing patience. I recognise it continues to be a challenging time but we are working closely with our partners to minimise any disruption so you can go on to enjoy the weekend.” 

If you notice anything suspicious or have information that you think could help with our enquiries, please do get in touch by calling 101 and referencing Kingsbury protests or reporting online via our website.

Information about the High Court injunction can be found here.

Issued: LK, Corporate Communications