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Black Lives Matter protesters close London City Airport runway Black Lives Matter protesters close London City Airport runway
(35 minutes later)
All flights at London City Airport have been disrupted after protesters gained access to the runway.All flights at London City Airport have been disrupted after protesters gained access to the runway.
The Met Police said it was called to the site at about 05:40 BST after nine protestors "locked themselves together" on the runway. The Met Police said it was called to the site at about 05:40 BST after nine protesters "locked themselves together" on the runway.
The Black Lives Matter UK movement has confirmed it is responsible for the protest. The Black Lives Matter UK movement confirmed it is responsible for the protest.
The airport said inbound flights were being diverted and it hoped to "resume operations as soon as possible". Seven people have been arrested and two remain on the runway. The airport said inbound flights were being diverted.
More on this and other London stories hereMore on this and other London stories here
Black Lives Matter UK said: "Whilst at London City Airport a small elite is able to fly, in 2016 alone 3,176 migrants are known to have died or gone missing in the Mediterranean. Black Lives Matter UK said the action was taken in order to "highlight the UK's environmental impact on the lives of black people locally and globally".
A statement said: "Whilst at London City Airport a small elite is able to fly, in 2016 alone 3,176 migrants are known to have died or gone missing in the Mediterranean.
"Black people are the first to die, not the first to fly, in this racist climate crisis."Black people are the first to die, not the first to fly, in this racist climate crisis.
"We note, however, that the UK is willing to charter special flights to remove black people from the country based on their immigration status.""We note, however, that the UK is willing to charter special flights to remove black people from the country based on their immigration status."
It added: "This action was taken in order to highlight the UK's environmental impact on the lives of black people locally and globally. Speaking to BBC London, group member Joshua Virasami added: "The community where this airport is is a predominantly black community.
"As the largest per capita contributor to global temperature change, and yet among the least vulnerable to its deadly effects, the UK leads in ensuring that our climate crisis is a racist crisis." "In Britain, 28% of black people are more likely to be exposed to air pollution...being in closest proximity to the industries causing climate change."
Black Lives Matter was set up as an international movement following the murder of black teenager Trayvon Martin in America four years ago. He added the disruption to flights was "a very small inconvenience when you think about the consequences for black communities daily" and the protesters would remain on site "as long as feasibly possible".
Scotland Yard said its officers were "negotiating" with the London City Airport group and awaiting the arrival of specialist resources to "unlock the protestors". Scotland Yard said its officers were "negotiating" with the London City Airport group and awaiting the arrival of specialist resources to "unlock the protesters".
It said it was investigating how the protesters had managed to get air-side - including the suggestion that they swam across the Thames or used a boat.It said it was investigating how the protesters had managed to get air-side - including the suggestion that they swam across the Thames or used a boat.
It added no arrests have been made at this stage. When asked how the protesters had gained access to the runway Mr Virasmai said "I'm not in a situation to say...but one can use their imagination".
A London City Airport spokesperson added: "The runway is currently closed due to protesters on site. The Met said the seven arrests are on suspicion of aggravated trespass, being unlawfully airside and breaching London City Airport bylaws.
"We apologise to passengers for any inconvenience to their journey." A London City Airport spokesperson added: "We apologise to passengers for any inconvenience to their journey."
City Airport is popular with bankers and business professionals due to its proximity to Canary Wharf in London Docklands.City Airport is popular with bankers and business professionals due to its proximity to Canary Wharf in London Docklands.
Last year, a record 4.3 million passengers used the airport.Last year, a record 4.3 million passengers used the airport.
What is Black Lives Matter?What is Black Lives Matter?
Are you at London City Airport? Have you been disrupted by the protest?Let us know about your experiences. Email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk with your stories.Are you at London City Airport? Have you been disrupted by the protest?Let us know about your experiences. Email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk with your stories.
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