Activists from Just Stop Oil disrupted the Pride parade in central London by blocking a float sponsored by Coca-Cola in protest at the event taking money from “high-polluting” sponsors.

The radical environmental group’s threat to disrupt the country’s biggest LGBTQ+ community event appeared to be fulfilled when at least six Just Stop Oil activists lay down in front of the Coca-Cola parade float.

One activist sprayed a black liquid around the float in an apparent reference to crude oil and the damage it causes.

Footage on social media showed half a dozen police officers clearing the protestors out of the path of the float on Piccadilly, to applause from some of those taking part in the parade.

The disruption came after LGBTQ+ supporters of the eco-activist group had issued a letter giving Pride a 24-hour ultimatum to meet its demands, or it “may or may not take action at this weekend’s events”.

Its demands included clarity on where Pride sources its money from, what floats are included in the parade, and what “ethical considerations” are taken when deciding who to accept money from.