The Hague police used water cannon in near freezing temperatures to break up Saturday’s blockade of the A12 motorway and surrounding roads by climate change campaigners.

In total, some 700 people were arrested and taken by bus to the ADO Den Haag football stadium where they were released. Twelve people were arrested for other offences, including incitement, and taken to a police station for questioning.

The Hague city council had refused to give permission for the protest, the 40^th blockade of the motorway by Extinction Rebellion, and told the group to demonstrate on the nearby Malieveld instead.

The protest caused considerable traffic congestion and it was 5 pm before the motorway was open again to traffic, local media reported.

Extinction Rebellion are campaigning for an end to what they call fossil fuel subsidies, or tax breaks given to companies that use oil, gas and coal.