THERE was a large police presence at Gatwick Airport today ahead of a planned demonstration by climate activists from Extinction Rebellion.

However only a "small number" of activists gathered at the airport, following reports that the protest had been called off.

The cancellation came as footage went viral on social media after protesters were seen coming under attack from commuters on the underground in London.

A huge police presence was spotted at the airport ahead of the "protest".

In posts on the campaign group's social media they say that the "event" aimed to "wake up Gatwick Airport and government" and that they should be "reducing flights".

The protesters said they would be making their presence known at the South Terminal from 11am in what many expect to create chaotic scenes.

In response to the news a Gatwick spokesperson said: “We are aware of the proposed protest at the airport and we will continue to work closely with the police to make sure that our passengers and staff are able to continue their journeys and do their jobs safely without disruption.”

“We are determined to play our part to reach ‎the Government’s target of achieving net zero carbon emissions, however we will also remain focussed on the safe operation of the airport.”