ACTIVISTS from Extinction Rebellion have apologised for the disruption they have caused to people from Oxford - but suggested their protests could continue ‘indefinitely’.

It comes as at least six ‘rebels’ from the city were arrested during environmental action in London, which has caused travel chaos.

The Oxford Tube and X90 bus services faced heavy disruption all week due to roadblocks by demonstrators, sparking commuter outrage. Train and tube users have also faced delays.

Ben Kenward, an Oxford-based member of the international group, was arrested for obstructing a public highway and released under investigation.

READ AGAIN: X90 and Oxford Tube hit by 'major disruption' from Extinction Rebellion roadblocks

The 42-year-old Marston academic said: "We are doing this because it's a desperate last resort. The government has known for decades that the problems are so severe that we are looking at the collapse of civilisation.

Oxford Mail:

Ben Kenward (far right) among protesters this week. Picture: Zoe Broughton/Undercurrents

"We know that Oxford people are being disrupted - we want to apologise but we just have to do this because the government is not taking its responsibilities seriously."

Mr Kenward said far from losing momentum, the group was in fact 'recruiting' and that the protests could be 'self sustaining for quite some time'.

National members of the group have pledged to keep up their action until at least next Friday.

Yesterday also saw the group target Heathrow Airport, in an stunt which Mr Kenward said there was 'no clear support for' from within the Oxford contingent.

READ AGAIN: Oxford's Extinction Rebellion protesters against Heathrow action

However, at least one Oxford-based activist – a 'school strike' organiser, Oscar Idle – took part. He said he was inspired by 'fear' for the planet's future.

As well as Mr Kenward, at least five other people from Oxford have been arrested, including an elderly pair in their 70s.

Margaret Mukherjee, 76, from St Clements, said: “I just feel climate change is so important, it’s a global emergency, I’ve talked about it for years and years, and now it is time to act.”

Mary Gill, 74, from Headington, was also arrested at Oxford Circus.

ALSO READ: Oxford protesters expect London arrests

She added: "I feel it is a responsibly of someone my age, who has (had) a good life, to young people and future generations who aren’t born yet. we have to do something which is dramatic and not normal.

"I would never normally get arrested but this is an emergency.”

The retired teachers both say they were kept in custody for six or seven hours at Islington station, where they had 'good conversations' with police.

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Picture: Hazel Dawe

Yesterday the home secretary, Sajid Javid, called for police to use 'the full force of the law' against protesters.

He said: “Let me be clear: I totally condemn any protesters who are stepping outside the boundaries of the law. They have no right to cause misery for millions of people who are trying to lead their daily lives. Unlawful behaviour will not be tolerated.”

The United Nation’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has warned that there is less than 12 years to take urgent action to cut the risk of extreme heat, drought, floods and poverty.