Moment ‘hero’ who tried to clear Just Stop Oil yobs blocking traffic detained by heavy-handed cops

A FRUSTRATED motorist dragged eco-zealots out of the road yesterday — only to be detained by heavy-handed cops.

Two officers charged at him and handcuffed him as a third looked on — with none of them tackling the Just Stop Oil yobs blocking rush-hour traffic.

Around a dozen banner-holding protesters faced the traffic as they walked slowly backwards across Blackfriars Bridge in central London as drivers on their way to work angrily honked their horns.

Footage shared online shows the unnamed man — in orange hi-vis bottoms and a grey top — walk into the road, grab one of the protesters and throw him to the floor at the feet of police talking to a passer-by.

As he went after another man in the demo, the two police officers pile into him, forcing him in the path of a delivery truck on the opposite carriageway.

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As they grapple with him, one cop is heard telling him: “You f*g assaulted people.”

They then pinned him against a van blocked by the protests, with the occupants yelling at the officers to get off their vehicle.

A passing taxi driver then shouts that the cops’ actions were “absolutely disgusting”.

A local builder told The Sun: “He’s a hero.

“He did the right thing.

“I was really surprised at how heavy-handed the police were with him.

“It seemed a bit over the top.”

The Met Police yesterday insisted the officers “responded proportionately” and confirmed the man had not been arrested.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said: “The man was handcuffed to prevent a further breach of the peace.

“We will review evidence and interview the male — who was not arrested — with a view to further police action as necessary.”

The demo was one of three on key London bridges at 8am yesterday with flashpoints at each.

Police said they “completely understand the frustration” caused but urged the public not to get involved.