Environmental campaign group Extinction Rebellion (XR) reignited its efforts to highlight the dangers of climate change this month after they were largely placed on hold by the coronavirus pandemic.

In a series of daily actions, protesters have marched on Parliament Square, blocked roads, staged sit-ins and glued themselves to the ground.

It led the Metropolitan Police to impose conditions on where demonstrations could take place, while protesters were also warned they risked a large fine if they failed to comply with coronavirus rules banning gatherings of more than 30 people.

Scotland Yard also said on Saturday that 20 people had been reported for consideration of a STG10,000 Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) for holding regulation-breaching gatherings representing a range of different causes.

Police said the FPN reports related to demonstrations called "Resist the Government", "Move One Million", "The Ivory Coast Protest", "Citizens' Assembly Extinction Rebellion" and "The Lightship Greta procession".

One penalty report relates to an anti-Government demonstration which took place in Trafalgar Square on August 30, the Met said.

Commander Kyle Gordon, Gold Commander for the weekend's policing operation, said protests had caused "serious disruption to local communities" in the past week.

He added: "Throughout this period we have become increasingly concerned the organisers of these events have not always taken all reasonable measures to limit the risk of transmission of coronavirus, thereby posing a risk, not only to those involved, but the wider public and communities of London.

"We remain in the middle of a pandemic and we all need to play our part in keeping each other and our communities safe."

He said officers sought to enforce coronavirus legislation "as a last resort" and had proactively told event organisers of their "public health risk".

Mr Gordon added: "I would appeal to anyone planning on organising a gathering to consider your responsibilities under the regulations, and to do all you can to help keep our communities safe."

On Saturday afternoon, an XR "Citizens Assemble!" gathering was dispersed by police in Trafalgar Square.

During the peaceful protest outside the National Gallery, activists sat on the ground and listened to speeches while surrounded by a large police presence.

Officers asked the group to move on, with most dispersing.

Distribution of several British newspapers was disrupted on Saturday after climate change activists blockaded printworks used by Rupert Murdoch's News UK, drawing condemnation from Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Extinction Rebellion said nearly 80 people had blocked roads leading to two printworks, at Broxbourne in Hertfordshire, north-east of London, and at Knowsley, near Liverpool.

Hertfordshire police said they made 42 arrests and Merseyside police made 30.

The Murdoch-owned Newsprinters works publish The Sun, The Times in addition to the Daily Mail, the Daily Telegraph and the Financial Times.

Australian Associated Press