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"Swarming" protests by climate group "Extinction Rebellion" blocked four London traffic hotspots during rush hour, forcing commuters to grind to a halt.

About 100 environmentalists blocked Lambeth and Vauxhall bridges at 9am, as well as at Earl's Court, Elephant and Castle and Tower Bridge.

The protestors, who said in a statement they aimed to "cause gridlock across the capital", claimed tailbacks from the Earl's Court demonstration stretched as far as Heathrow Airport.

Frustrated motorists sounded their horns and begged police to clear the roadblocks, according to eyewitnesses.

Videos posted to social media showed protestors standing with "Act now" placards facing lines of traffic that came to a standstill.

The Extinction Rebellion group said it would let emergency vehicles past, and posted an apology on its Twitter page blaming "criminal inaction" by the government to tackle climate change.

It wrote: "#ExtinctionRebellion sincerely apologise to Londoners for any disruption caused to the public due to #swarming roadblocks.

"@GOVUK is not protecting future generations due to its criminal inaction in the face of #climatebreakdown. This situation deserves an emergency response."

In a message to commuters, it added: "Best take the Tube or a bike this morning, London - it's better for your #carbonfootprint too."

One protestor, Angela, a 32-year-old graphic designer, said in a statement released by the group: “I’ve tried everything - I’ve written to my MP, been part of protests year after year, signed all the petitions and donated to all the major environmental NGOs, but nothing has happened.

"There’s been no progress on climate action. We have to do more."

Despite anger on the streets, some people took to Twitter to support the group, thanking them for their activism.

One fan wrote: "Thank you! Short term pain (for motorists) leading to long term gain for everyone (apart from fossil fuel industry).

"We mustn't let our busy life blind us to the urgent need to preserve life on Earth."

The blockades follow protests last Saturday that saw 82 people arrested when demonstrators shut Southwark, Blackfriars, Waterloo, Westminster and Lambeth bridges.

Most of them were detained for breaches of the Highways Act, and all of those arrested have been released under investigation. Organisers said as many as 6,000 people joined the march.

This is the second round of the protests, with "non-violent" actions planned tomorrow and Friday, and set to culminate on Saturday with a "Rebellion 2" demonstration.

The campaign group warns that the planet is facing an "ecological emergency" and wants government action to reduce carbon emissions.

One organiser on Saturday warned of starvation in the UK if there is no change to environmental policy.

Gail Bradbrook said: "We could easily be facing starvation in the UK if the weather effect continues as it is.

"We need to be building resilience in our communities."

A Met spokesman said they are aware of the protests and have a "proportionate policing plan" in place.