OCHO RIOS, St Ann — Five people were arrested this morning at the scene of a demonstration after protesting residents from Chester blocked a section of the North Coast Highway in St Ann.

The angry residents, who were protesting the deplorable state of the Chester main road, also poured gas oil on a section of the road at Laughlands.

Police said the five were arrested for allegedly pouring oil on the main thoroughfare.

The roadblock, which was mounted at 5:30 am, caused major traffic pile-up along the highway.

The protest also caused lengthy delays for a number of commuters including schoolchildren who were out on the first day of school.

The angry protestors said the Chester main road has been in a deplorable state for many years and that efforts over the years to have it addressed by their political representatives have been unsuccessful.

The roadblock has since been cleared.