More than 40 climate change activists have been arrested after two protests at an oil depot.

Dozens of protesters targeted the Buncefield Oil Terminal in Hemel Hempstead by blocking the entrance and breaking inside.

Hertfordshire Constabulary has confirmed 41 people have been arrested in connection with the protests which involves members from the campaign group Just Stop Oil.

Police were first called to Buncefield in Green Lane just before 4.15am on Friday (April 1) before being called back again at 3.12am on Sunday.

At Friday's protest, 27 people were arrested while 14 were detained at the second protest, which saw a number of protesters gain access inside the facility.

No update has been issued by police on the status of those arrested.

Superintendent Sue Jameson, who is leading the police response, said: "As always, our priority remains to protect the public we serve. Protestors securing themselves to fuel tankers and unlawfully accessing an extremely hazardous site not only puts the protestors themselves at severe risk, but also poses a substantial danger to countless other people.

"This includes members of the public, site workers who are just trying to do their jobs, not to mention emergency service workers who are having to work in incredibly challenging circumstances to bring these situations to a safe conclusion."

Superintendent Jameson added: "This now brings us to a total of 41 arrests that have been made in Hertfordshire so far. We are working alongside partner organisations, other affected forces and the CPS with the view of bringing charges against those involved."

Other protests have been taking place around the country involving Just Stop Oil and Extinction Rebellion. Just Stop Oil has issued tweets suggesting its protests may be connected to some fuel shortages at petrol stations currently.

Andrew Smith, from Extinction Rebellion, said: "We’re here to say that climate action cannot wait. Right now, governments are choosing to exploit the crisis in Ukraine to hand out oil licences and continue the fossil fuel economy that’s destroying us.

"The reality is, the UK public wants faster action on climate as the energy crisis hits. We know what is happening and what needs to be done – by acting in favour of corporate interest over the will of the people, the Government is showing contempt for the people who elected them."

He added: "How long ago did our Prime Minister say Cop26 was our last chance to save humanity? And now they’re sidelining climate policy once again. This is not living in reality."