Extinction Rebellion: Shell HQ windows smashed as climate protest blocks London roads

[#Dobe~ClasSy!☠]

he London headquarters of major oil firm Shell has been targeted by climate change protesters after its doors were destroyed and graffii was daubed on the building.

Police were called to the Shell Centre near Waterloon station today during the Extinction Rebellion (XR) demonstrations across the capital.

Photographs shared on social media show the building's revolving doors have been shattered, while messages such as "Shell kills" were sprayed on the property.

The Telegraph has contacted Scotland Yard for comment. A Shell spokesperson said: "We respect the right of everyone to express their point of view, we only ask that they do so with their safety and the safety of others in mind."

It comes as radical environmental protesters block major London roads in an attempt to bring the capital to a standstill.

The XR group are targeting Marble Arch, Oxford Circus, Waterloo Bridge, and Parliament Square with plans to block the routes “for as long as it takes", making it inevitable that they will be arrested for obstruction.

Waterloo Bridge was blocked in both directions this morning as dozens of activists gathered on the river crossing. A tweet on the campaign group's Twitter page read: "We have taken Waterloo bridge!"

Organisers say thousands of people will also converge on Marble Arch, Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus and Parliament Square in non-violent action which could last for weeks.

In Oxford Street, a huge pink boat was unveiled in the middle of the road, which was also shut as part of the protests.

XR, whose prime goal is to reduce carbon emissions to zero by 2025, claims between 3,000 and 6,000 supporters could take part in the protests. Last November, they blocked bridges across London to bring chaos to the capital.

Sophie Cowen, an Oxford French graduate who joined the group in November and now acts as media co-ordinator, pledged non-violent civil disobedience: “It’s 100 per cent about obstructing traffic and making sure we bring it to a standstill. People are willing to be arrested.”

The group warned the protests could take place in the middle of roads for weeks, meaning protesters may face arrest for obstruction CREDIT: HENRY NICHOLLS/REUTERS

The Metropolitan Police said officers would be used from across the service to provide a “proportionate” response to the protests, which balanced the right to a peaceful protest while ensuring disruption to communities was kept to a minimum.

A spokesman urged travellers to allow extra journey time as road closures and disruptions to the travel network were expected.

A Transport for London spokesman said: "The safety of our customers and staff is our number one priority and we're working closely with the police to manage the impact on London's transport network.

Speaking at a meditation on the eve of the protests Dr Williams said humans had declared war on nature.

He said: "We are here tonight to declare that we do not wish to be at war. We wish to make peace with ourselves by making peace with our neighbour Earth and with our God."

Thompson has previously said of the demonstrations: "It is time to stand up and save our home."

Organisers said: "The International Rebellion begins and Extinction Rebellion will be bringing London to a standstill for up to two weeks.

"They will be blocking five of the city's busiest and most iconic locations in a non-violent, peaceful act of rebellion where they invite people to join them for several days of creative, artist-led resistance."

Extinction Rebellion said protests in London could last a couple of weeks CREDIT: HENRY NICHOLLS/REUTERS

Demonstrators arrived at London's Hyde Park on Sunday, some having journeyed to the city on foot in recent weeks from various parts of the UK for what is described as an "International Rebellion".

Today will see people in at least 80 cities in more than 33 countries hold similar demonstrations on the same environmental issues, campaigners said.

While organisers encouraged people to set up camp in Hyde Park overnight into Monday, they were warned they could be breaking the law by doing so under Royal Parks legislation.

A spokeswoman for The Royal Parks said Extinction Rebellion had not asked for permission to begin the protest in the park and that camping is not allowed.

But police said no arrests were made overnight after earlier explaining their operational response to camping "would be dependent on what if any other issues might be ongoing at the time".