Cambridge Extinction Rebellion activists block off traffic

Several streets in the heart of Cambridge were closed off to traffic by Extinction Rebellion activists

Several busy roads in a city centre have been blocked to traffic by climate activists.

Extinction Rebellion campaigners closed off some streets in the heart of Cambridge on Saturday in the latest of a series of demonstrations worldwide.

The Streets for Life protest coincided with the city's Big Weekend outdoor event, which attracts thousands of people.

Campaigner Nathan Williams said: "Civil disobedience is a last resort."

Roads including Downing and Pembroke Street, Tennis Court Road, Botolph Lane and part of Trumpington Street were blocked to vehicles between 08:00 and 17:00 BST.

The Grand Arcade car park has also been cordoned off.

The activists gathered to block off streets to vehicles in the city centre

Makeshift gardens appeared on the car-free streets

Photos of people playing music, tennis and Frisbee on the car-free streets have been posted on social media.

Mr Williams said: "We do apologise for the disruption we are causing to people - we don't want to do it.

"We've been talking with the various authorities and with the police for a number of weeks now to ensure that the Big Weekend can operate without disruption."

Cambridgeshire police were not available for comment.

Bus operator Stagecoach said a number of services had to be diverted throughout the day.

Cambridge City Council advised people to use alternative transport.