Stonehenge Just Stop Oil protesters released on bail
Two people sprayed the stones with orange powder on Wednesday afternoon
Last updated 20th Jun 2024
The two Just Stop Oil protesters who were arrested at Stonehenge on Wednesday afternoon have been released on bail.
A 73-year-old man from Birmingham and a 21-year-old woman from Oxford were taken into custody by Wiltshire Police after they sprayed orange cornflour paint onto the ancient monument.
They were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage, damaging an ancient monument and deterring a person from engaging in a lawful activity.
Police say the bail allows them more time to work with specialists and carry out further enquiries.
The force say they'll continue working closely with English Heritage, who manage the site.
'No visible damage' say English Heritage
Dr Nick Merriman, chief executive of English Heritage, said on Thursday that the paint had been removed and there appeared to be "no visible damage" to the monument.
English Heritage, which manage Stonehenge, said removing the orange powder could still have a "harmful impact" though by "eroding the already fragile stone and damaging the lichens".
Dr Merriman said: "It's difficult to understand and we're deeply saddened about this vandalism, but we've been really touched by the messages of sympathy and support we've had.
"Our experts have already managed to clean the orange powder from the stones because we were really worried about what would happen if they got in contact with water.
"So far, there seems to be no visible damage. The site is open to the public again and for the solstice tomorrow."
Discussing the action by Just Stop Oil, Dr Merriman said: "It's vandalism to one of the world's most celebrated ancient monuments.
"We wish people would channel their protests away from cultural heritage sites, museums and galleries because we feel that doesn't actually help their cause, and causes huge upset and disruption to the operation of these important sites."