Two people have been arrested on suspicion of damaging Stonehenge after the historic site was doused with orange paint earlier today (19 June).
Protestors wearing Just Stop Oil t-shirts sprayed painted powder onto the historic landmark situated near Salisbury, Wiltshire, just a day before celebrations for the Summer Solstice are set to kick off.
The controversial environmental activist group then shared footage on social media of the incident, explaining it was motivated by the upcoming general election on 4 July.
Wiltshire Police confirmed that two people were detained following the stunt at around dinnertime on Wednesday (19 June), which left members of the public who were visiting Stonehenge stunned.
Visitors were heard shouting 'no' before racing to intervene as the campaigners ran towards the prehistoric structure.
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A spokesman for the police said: "We have arrested two people following an incident at Stonehenge this afternoon.
"At around noon, we responded to a report that orange paint had been sprayed on some of the stones by two suspects.
"Officers attended the scene and arrested two people on suspicion of damaging the ancient monument.
"Our inquiries are ongoing and we are working closely with English Heritage."
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According to Just Stop Oil's social media post, the campaigners carried out the vandalism as they want the 'incoming government' to sign up to a legally binding treaty to remove fossil fuels by 2030.
They told how they started spraying Stonehenge at around 11am in anticipation of the Summer Solstice - which thousands of people are set to flock to tomorrow.
Just Stop Oil said: "The UK’s government in waiting has committed to enacting Just Stop Oil’s original demand of ‘no new oil and gas’. However, we all know this is not enough.
"Continuing to burn coal, oil and gas will result in the death of millions.
"We have to come together to defend humanity or we risk everything.
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"That’s why Just Stop Oil is demanding that our next government sign up to a legally binding treaty to phase out fossil fuels by 2030," the campaign group continued.
"Failure to commit to defending our communities will mean Just Stop Oil supporters, along with citizens from Austria, Canada, Norway, the Netherlands and Switzerland will join in resistance this summer, if their own Governments do not take meaningful action.
"Stone circles can be found in every part of Europe showing how we’ve always cooperated across vast distances – we’re building on that legacy.”
The group added that the orange substance was cornflour and claimed it would 'wash away with rain'.
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A spokesperson for English Heritage said: "Orange powdered paint has been thrown at a number of the stones at Stonehenge.
"Obviously, this is extremely upsetting and our curators are investigating the extent of the damage. Stonehenge remains open to the public."
Topics: UK News, News, Crime, Just Stop Oil, Environment
Olivia Burke