A West Berkshire councillor was arrested on Monday at the climate protests in London.

Green Party councillor Steve Masters, who represents Newbury Speen, was arrested at the peaceful protest and has been released without conditions.

More than a thousand people have been arrested at the Extinction Rebellion protests this week.

Cllr Masters said: “I would like to thank all the well wishers for the messages I have received since Monday evening.

“My thoughts go out to the many people who remain out on the streets and to those around the world who are already feeling the effects of the climate emergency.

“I was arrested on a peaceful protest and have been released without conditions while the police decide what to do.

“I hope you’ll understand that I’m not able to make any comment on this until the police have decided what further action, if any, they intend to take.”

The latest two week-long climate protests started on Monday and have seen environmental activists take over bridges and camp outside government buildings.

Cllr Masters set up a petition – prior to becoming an elected member in May – that led to the council declaring a climate emergency in July.

He was arrested at 5pm on Monday and taken to Barking police station. He was released at 9am on Tuesday morning.

He said he will go re-join the protests later this week.