Extinction Rebellion eco-activists have wreaked misery on drivers in Manchester today by barricading main roads as part of a four-day 'uprising'.

The climate campaigners wheeled a large boat reading 'planet before profit' into the normally busy Deansgate crossroads to kick off the rally which is expected to be attended by hundreds over the weekend.

The demonstrators have reportedly chosen to occupy this particular junction owing to its allegedly unlawful levels of air pollution.

It mirrors the protests earlier this year in London which resulted in the crippling of the capital's transport routes and saw more than a thousand arrests.

Officers in Manchester were this morning braced for the demonstration, with Superintendent Chris Hill firing a warning shot at Extinction Rebellion's self-described 'rebels'.

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Extinction Rebellion eco-activists have wreaked misery on drivers in Manchester this morning by barricading main roads as part of a four-day 'uprising'

The climate campaigners this morning wheeled a large boat reading 'planet before profit' into the normally busy Deansgate crossroads to kick off a rally which is expected to be attended by hundreds over the weekend

The protest itself is based on Deansgate, between the junctions of John Dalton Street and St Ann Street

A model of the iconic Angel Of The North landmark was created with the words 'tell the truth' in a supposed swipe at climate change deniers

He said: 'My message to those who are coming to protest over this period is quite clear.

'You have the right to protest lawfully but any illegal activity will be dealt with accordingly.'

He also urged motorists to plan ahead, as major roads into the city centre are expected to be shut with congestion likely on streets on the outskirts of town.

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The demonstration - called the North Is Rebelling - is scheduled to run form August 30 to September 2, but police warned that disruption could also spill onto September 3.

Some of the protesters in Manchester today flew Brazilian flags amid raging fires across the Amazon rainforest.

The sound of samba music also rang out as activists banged on drums while frustrated motorists were diverted from the city centre.

Plant pots and hay bales were unloaded on to the streets to form part of the blockade, echoing the floral displays which were scattered across London's Waterloo Bridge in April.

The large yellow yacht - similar to the infamous pink boat deployed in Oxford Circus in April - has been wheeled out with the words 'planet before profit'

The demonstrators have reportedly chosen to occupy this particular junction owing to its allegedly unlawful levels of air pollution

Some of the protesters in Manchester today flew Brazilian flags amid raging fires across the Amazon rainforest

And the local Katsouris deli has reportedly stocked up on Quorn sausages and falafel to feed the vegans attending the four-day rally.

Promoting the 'uprising', Extinction Rebellion said: 'XR groups from around the North will come together in Manchester for a peaceful, public uprising in our city centre between Friday 30th August and Monday 2nd September 2019.

'You are all welcome, wherever you live, to come and join us in helping to spread the rebellion throughout the North.

'There will be training, talks, workshops, direct actions – big and small – as well as DJs, bands and performers.

'We need you – whoever you are, however much time you have – to help build a powerful movement.

Two young female activists stand with the Extinction Rebellion flag in the middle of Deansgate in the city centre

Police have been at the demonstration site all day to prevent any unlawful behaviour from the protesters

'Our vision of change involves mass participation. Together we're unstoppable.'

But the protest in Manchester has split opinion, with some praising the activists for rallying around a worthwhile cause, while others slammed them for clogging up the tarmac.

Many on social media even suggested the demonstration would cause more pollution than normal as cars sat gridlocked in traffic jams.

The group is also planning to occupy the roads around the City of London Magistrate's Court this afternoon, to show support with those who were arrested in the capital earlier this year.

Officers in Manchester were this morning braced for the demonstration, with Superintendent Chris Hill firing a warning shot at Extinction Rebellion protesters

Hundreds of poster-waving protesters are expected to flock to Deansgate, Manchester over the course of the weekend

A Transport for Greater Manchester spokesperson said: 'We're aware that Extinction Rebellion is planning a protest in Manchester city centre starting this Friday and we'll be doing all we can to ensure people are kept up to date with the latest travel information and any potential disruption to their journeys.

'The protest itself is expected to be based on Deansgate, between the junctions of John Dalton Street and St Ann Street, and this will obviously affect any traffic in and around that area.

'To help mitigate the impact on the travelling public, we've been working closely with GMP, Manchester City Council, bus operators and other partners to introduce several measures.

'Should the protest go ahead as expected, all traffic – including a number of commercial bus services and city centre Free Bus services 1 and 2 – will be diverted away from the affected stretch of Deansgate.'

John Scott, 80, (left), poses for a photograph with Tom Dalton, 20, (right) outside the City of London's Magistrates' Court where hearings relating to the Extinction Rebellion's April protests

Protesters outside the City of London's Magistrates' Court today where hearings relating to the Extinction Rebellion's April protests were held. Protesters sat with flags and banners near Bank station bringing traffic to a halt

Protesters brought traffic to a halt outside the City of London's Magistrates' Court today where the hearings relating to Extinction Rebellion's April protests took place

Protesters sit with flags near Lombard Street, Bank, London, where hearings relating to the Extinction Rebellion's April protests