More than 3000 people joined the protest, which blocked a motorway that runs near the seat of the Dutch government, according to reports.

Police said 40 of the 1579 people arrested would be prosecuted for "vandalism." They added that security had called on protesters to leave, before using water cannons to disperse them.

Extinction Rebellion had called for the demonstration to protest against the Dutch government's climate and energy policy. It decried the government's allocation of subsidies to fossil fuel companies.

Saturday's protest was joined by some Dutch celebrities, including actor Carice van Houten. She is best known for her role in the hit TV series Game of Thrones. Van Houten was reportedly among the thousands arrested.

It was the seventh time that climate activists had sought to block the A12 motorway not far from the Binnenhof in The Hague.

Officials intervened earlier this time than in previous Extinction Rebellion protests. The Hague's city administration had previously warned demonstrators that blocking the motorway was strictly prohibited.

In recent years Extinction Rebellion has garnered media attention through disruption, hitting roads, airports and other public transport networks with direct action protests against climate change.

with agencies

Australian Associated Press