Stonehenge, the iconic ancient monument in southern England, remains undamaged after climate protesters sprayed orange paint on the stones. The incident led to the arrest of a 73-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman on suspicion of criminal damage and deterring a person from engaging in a lawful activity.
English Heritage's chief executive, Nick Merriman, expressed deep sadness over the vandalism, calling it a disgraceful act on one of the world's most celebrated ancient monuments. The UNESCO World Heritage Site was quickly cleaned, and experts ensured that the orange powder used would not react negatively to water.
Stonehenge, constructed over 4,500 years ago, continues to intrigue scholars and visitors alike with its mysterious origins and alignment with the summer and winter solstices. The site was set to reopen for the summer solstice celebrations, drawing spiritualists, druids, and sun worshippers.
The climate change activism group responsible for the vandalism, Just Stop Oil, has a history of disruptive protests to raise awareness about the climate crisis. The group claimed responsibility for the act and stated that the paint used would dissolve in the rain.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Keir Starmer both condemned the vandalism, with Sunak calling it a disgraceful act and Starmer labeling the group as pathetic. Just Stop Oil continued its protests by spray painting private jets at an airport outside London, resulting in the arrest of two women.
