A VICAR is among Oxfordshire activists who have been arrested in London as part of mass climate protests.

Reverend Tim Hewes is one of five protesters from the Extinction Rebellion Wantage group arrested in the capital so far this week, as part of a huge demonstration calling for action on climate change.

Retired dental surgeon Rev Hewes, who presides at St Mary's Convent in Wantage, appeared on Channel 4 News on Tuesday after being handcuffed.

He was filmed sat on the ground surrounded by officers, wearing his clerical collar.

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Several people from Oxfordshire have been arrested since protesters began occupying key sites around Westminster on Monday. 

One arrested woman from the Wantage group, who asked not to be named, said: "The police were lovely, friendly and warm.

"They were really reassuring when I was feeling a bit wobbly. 

"I felt safe and taken care of.

"[Police] are struggling under the pressures but it does not show in their dealings with activists. 

"I was told many things but mostly they find XR a breath of fresh air in terms of policing and arresting - the non violence is respected, appreciated and acknowledged.

"One officer said he was totally behind what we are doing."

READ MORE: Former police detective is among Oxfordshire climate rebels willing to risk arrest

Almost 600 Extinction Rebellion protesters were arrested in the first two days of the two-week demonstration, after police enforced a Section 14 notice to stop 'serious disruption' to communities.

About 500 officers are being drafted in from across England and Wales to help cope with the protests, which have seen some activists glue themselves to buildings.

Extinction Rebellion wants the protests to be 'the biggest global act of non-violent civil disobedience in history.'

A spokeswoman for the South East protesters said Oxford Brookes psychology lecturer Ben Kenward, 42, was among those arrested at Victoria Embankment.

Sarah Lasenby, 81, a retired social worker and Quaker activist, was also arrested.

The spokeswoman also named 'Oxford dad Jon Kennedy' and 'Wantage-based mum-of-three Rebecca Malden' as arrestees.

ALSO READ: Case dropped against Extinction Rebellion activists from Oxford

A post on the Extinction Rebellion Oxford hailed those detained as 'brave rebels' while the Wantage group posted saying they were 'proud' of those arrested.

Last week, Oxford activists Rowan Tilly and Mike Betts walked free from court, after a technicality saw charges against them dropped in relation to Extinction Rebellion protests in April. 

Protests are also taking place in Frideswide Square this week, for those unable to get to the capital.