Greenpeace protesters attempting a high-wire walk brought the Emirates Air Line to a standstill this morning.
They climbed the south terminal in Greenwich, with the intention of crossing the river to the Royal Docks.
Transport for London, who operate the cable car, said that it has no service due to “trespassers.”
Police officers are at the scene and are currently liaising with the group, having been called shortly after 5am.
Arctic campaigner Ian Duff said: “We were planning to do a record breaking high-wire walk over the Thames to protest Shell’s Arctic drilling plans.
“It was designed as a message to the 1600 Shell staff in their Canary Wharf offices just across the water.”
“Unfortunately once we were up there, we discovered the wire was just too wobbly to use.
“We made the call that it was too great a risk, and decided to come down.
“Unfortunately, Shell hasn’t yet made that call in the Arctic, despite the immediate dangers drilling poses for the people and wildlife that live there and the effect climate impacts are having on people around the world.”
Danny Price, head of Emirates Air Line, said: “Our security systems alerted us to trespassers on the Emirates Air Line this morning.
“The cable car was not running at the time and there is no risk to customers or staff.
“We are working with the police to deal safely with the situation and services are expected to resume later this morning.”
He apologised to customers whose journeys are disrupted by the closure.
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