A BLOCKADE outside Coryton Oil Refinery ended early after few protesters took part.

The action against fuel price hikes on Saturday was expected to last all day with hundreds of people taking part.

However, just a handful of people with banners turned up to make their views known, while up to 40 police officers were on standby.

It had been rescheduled after being cancelled the previous week amid claims of police intimidation.

Organisers are again claiming a large police presence deterred people from turning up.

Donna Butler, 30, who is originally from Southend, but now lives in Kent, said: “We were expecting 200 bikers to turn up and other drivers. They were actually on their way, so we believe they must have been intercepted by the police.

“There were nine marked police cars, and another three or four in the area, and four unmarked cars. There was also an Automatic Number Plate Recognition van and two riot vans.

“The police made it clear if we tried to slow the traffic, it would be illegal. Even when we drove at the speed limit they tried to stop us, so all we could so was stand at the side of the road.

“We came to do a peaceful protest, but there were too many police.”

An Essex Police spokeswoman disputed the force had been heavy-handed.

She said: “There were just a handful of protesters. Police were on standby, but there were no incidents. The protesters had left by 12.30pm.”

Protesters are planning another demonstration, but no date has been set.