Update on officer injured responding to M25 disruption

The Essex Police motorcycle officer who was injured on the M25 this week while working to keep people safe has thanked the public for the concern they have shown towards him.

He would prefer to remain un-named at present and he is recovering from his injuries.

The officer has been part of the Essex Police Roads Policing Unit for more than twenty years, having joined the unit in 2001.

He is a highly experienced officer and was equipped with the force’s latest motorcycle and protective clothing, which includes built-in airbags.

The airbags were activated as he was thrown from his motorcycle during the incident, while he was responding to criminal actions by Just Stop Oil.

The officer is married with two children.

In addition to his duties catching criminals and keeping the roads safe in Essex, he also completed policing duties following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and during the Commonwealth Games.

Chief Supt Simon Anslow, the senior officer leading operations on the Essex section of the M25 this week said:

“I’d like to thank everyone who was making their way to work or school or anywhere else on the M25 this week for their patience and for the support they’ve shown to our officers.

"The people we have arrested are facing criminal charges and many have already been put before the courts.” 

Essex Police’s hard work to tackle disruption on our motorways this week has resulted in three further people being charged.

Three people were arrested yesterday following disruption at multiple junctions on the M25.

The following people have since been charged with causing a public nuisance and have been remanded into custody:

• Daniel Johnson, 24 of Blairgowrie, Perth And Kinross.
•  Paul Bell, 20, of St Germans Road, Exeter.
• Theresa Higginson, 24 of Biggleswade, Bedfordshire.

They will appear at Basildon Magistrates Court via live link on Thursday 10 November.

Essex Police Chief Constable speaks out after one of his officers was injured as a result of the irresponsible and dangerous behaviour of people committing a public nuisance on the M25 earlier today, Wednesday 9 November.

A fourth person has been arrested and all parts of the M25 in Essex are now open following disruption by people on gantries this morning.

The man was brought down from a gantry at Junction 29 a short time ago and National Highways have re-opened all lanes.

Three other people were arrested earlier – two between junctions 26 and 27 and one at junction 30.

Initially officers intervened to deal with someone on the motorway between Junction 26 and 27.

Due to this a rolling road block was put in place.

Subsequently, there was a collision involving two lorries and a police motorbike.

The motorbike rider was injured.

Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow said:

“I want to thank the public for their support, patience, and understanding this morning.
“I know they’re frustrated and I share those frustrations.
“You just want to get to work, make your hospital appointment, take your children to school.
“Already this week we’ve heard how grieving families have been prevented from saying goodbye to a loved one.
“And this has all been done while the safety of the public and our officers is being put at risk.
“We will continue to work to resolve these situations as quickly as possible to keep Essex moving and take action where crimes are being committed.”

Two people have been arrested as officers responded quickly to reports of people trying to gain access to gantries over the M25.

Initially officers intervened to deal with someone on the motorway between Junction 26 and 27.

Due to this a rolling road block was put in place. 

Subsequently, there was a collision involving two lorries and a police motorbike. The motorbike rider was injured.

Two people have been arrested on suspicion of causing a public nuisance.

We have since responded to reports of people on gantries near to Junctions 29 and 30.

We are in close liaison with National Highways to ensure as much of the road remains open as possible.

These decisions are under constant review, with the safety of the public foremost in our minds.

Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow said:

“Officers have again responded quickly to minimise disruption and two people have already been arrested.
“One of our officers has been injured as they worked to help resolve this situation.
“Our roads policing officers are dedicated, specialist officers who come to work to serve the public and keep you safe on our roads.
“They do this tirelessly, day-in day-out.
“Sadly, this morning one of these fantastic officers has been injured while carrying out this work.
“My thoughts are with them and their family.
“I want to thank the public for their support, patience and understanding while we work to resolve this situation.”

A third person has now been arrested in connection with disruption on the M25 this morning.

The man has been brought down from a gantry at junction 30 this morning and is being taken to custody.

We’re working to remove someone from Junction 29 and working closely with National Highways to review when the road can be re-opened.

Two people were arrested this morning on suspicion of causing a public nuisance.

Initially officers had intervened to deal with someone on the motorway between Junction 26 and 27.

Due to this a rolling road block was put in place

Subsequently, there was a collision involving two lorries and a police motorbike.

The motorbike rider was injured and has been checked over by the ambulance service.

Two people have been arrested on suspicion of causing a public nuisance in connection with that incident.