Extinction Rebellion protesters blocked roads outside the Bank of England as it bid to "swarm" the City of London in order to cause "maximum disruption" as the second week of protests kicked off in the capital.

The group vowed to close roads and stop public transport early on Monday morning, citing the banking sector's "contribution to funding climate breakdown is driving us toward ecological collapse".

Hundreds of Extinction Rebellion climate change protesters occupied the crossroads outside the Bank of England in the pouring rain.

Traffic from five roads around Bank Underground station was blocked by chanting protesters huddling under a large green tarpaulin and many others standing with banners reading "Fossil Fuels Extinction".

Twenty double-decker buses queuing down Lombard Street and King William Street were rendered stationary by the climate change protesters at Bank station.

The driver of the bus at the front of the queue said he had been stuck there for two hours - since 7am - and protesters showed no signs of moving.

Protesters were seen handing out leaflets which say "We're sorry" and explaining why they are protesting.

Andrew Medhurst, a former City worker of 30 years now part of Extinction Rebellion, is among those outside the Bank of England.