Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker premiere in London stormed by Extinction Rebellion protesters

Activists were urging the film industry to take action to raise awareness of the climate crisis

The London premiere of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker was disrupted by Extinction Rebellion protestors who invaded the red carpet.

The activists, who were dressed as Star Wars characters, arrived from the Bristol branch of the climate crisis campaign. They rushed the red carpet and lay down holding up signs.

A spokesperson for the group said the protest "only lasted a few moments" before the members were "peacefully removed".

Alfie Warren-Knight, founder of #FilmStrikeforClimate, issued a statement explaining the group's motives.

"At the world government summit in Dubai, Harrison Ford said, 'We are faced with, I believe, the greatest moral crisis of our time.'

"The film industry must use its influence and story-telling powers to help people around the world understand the urgency of the situation and to spark wide-spread public discussion about the climate and ecological emergency before it's too late."

He added: "The industry must show a brighter future is still possible, and inspire people to rise up against the 'Evil Empire' of ecocidal business-as-usual."

Read our review of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker here.