Protesters Vandalize Stonehenge with Orange Powder Paint Ahead of Summer Solstice Festivities

Part of the iconic Stonehenge monument in Wiltshire, England, was defaced with orange powder paint by activists from Just Stop Oil, stirring controversy just before the anticipated Summer Solstice celebrations set to take place at the historic site.

According to reports, two individuals, identified as Niamh Lynch and Rajan Naidu, were arrested by Wiltshire Police on suspicion of damaging the ancient monument, a move condemned by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as a ‘disgraceful act of vandalism’.

The incident, which saw the campaigners spray cornflour powder paint on the stones of Stonehenge, sparked outrage among members of the public who attempted to intervene while the protesters rushed towards the stone circle at the UNESCO world heritage site.

English Heritage, responsible for the management of Stonehenge, expressed dismay at the defacement, noting that the site remained open to visitors as curators evaluated the extent of the damage caused by the activists’ actions.

Just Stop Oil, the activist group behind the protest, stated that their aim was to push for an end to the extraction and burning of oil, gas, and coal by the year 2030, citing the urgent need to combat the adverse effects of climate change.

Archaeologist and author Mike Pitts raised concerns about the potential damage inflicted on the monument, highlighting that the megaliths at Stonehenge have been meticulously protected and bear prehistoric markings that are still under study.

Wiltshire Police addressed the incident, confirming that they were collaborating with English Heritage in their investigation of the spray painting on the historic stones, emphasizing that inquiries were ongoing.