An Olympic gold medallist was one of the activists arrested as police moved to clear Waterloo Bridge of Extinction Rebellion protesters last night.
London 2012 canoe slalom champion Etienne Stott was carried from the bridge by four officers at around 8.30pm as he shouted about the “ecological crisis”.
The 39-year-old is not thought to be among the dozens charged.
Speaking on Saturday, Stott said: “I don’t think there is anything more meaningful that I could be doing in my life right now.”
He added: “I believe the disruption that will come down the line if we do not declare a climate emergency and do not tackle this situation of climate change, it will just dwarf any inconvenience here today.”
Stott had been making a speech at the demonstration, where he was sat on top of a bus stop next to naturalist and TV presenter Chris Packham.
The Metropolitan Police said 1,065 people had been arrested in connection with the demonstrations by 10am on Monday, while 53 of those had been charged.
Members of XR are suggesting temporarily ending disruptive tactics to focus on political negotiations as they enter the eighth day of campaigning.