Activists protesting benefits cuts have blocked Westminster Bridge in central London
Activists from Disabled People Against Cuts (DPAC) have blocked Westminster Bridge this afternoon.
People are standing and sitting on Westminster Bridge Road, blocking traffic, as they protest against cuts to benefits. The Metropolitan Police said they are aware of the demonstration and officers are on the scene.
#CutsKill disabled activists sit in road refusing move from Westminster bridge @Dis_PPL_Protest @EllenClifford1 pic.twitter.com/24Pi7kX1s4
— paula peters (@paulapeters2) September 7, 2016
Eyewitnesses said on Twitter that there was a "heavy police presence" at the demonstration.
Huge amount of police swamping the @Dis_PPL_Protest #rightsnotgames protest on Westminster bridge #olsx #cutskill pic.twitter.com/XV2NJT49Hv
— Jamie Kelsey Fry (@JamieKelseyFry) September 7, 2016
Richard Benyon MP tweeted a picture of the protesters and police overseeing them. He later deleted the message, in the face of a backlash over his comments.
The Metropolitan Police said they were advising motorists to avoid the area if possible.