Three arrested in connection with Stonehenge paint spraying incident
- Three individuals have been arrested after Stonehenge in Wiltshire, England, was sprayed with paint.
- The latest arrest was of a man in his 30s from Essex, making it the third arrest in connection with the incident.
- Authorities are continuing their investigation into the vandalism of the Neolithic henge monument.
In recent news, a third individual has been arrested in connection with the vandalism incident at Stonehenge, where the historic site was sprayed with orange paint. The man, in his 30s from Essex, was apprehended by Metropolitan Police officers on suspicion of aiding and abetting criminal damage, unauthorised entry, and damage to an ancient monument, as well as aiding and abetting aggravated trespass. This arrest follows the previous detainment of two protestors, Niamh Lynch, 21, and Rajan Naidu, 73, in relation to the same incident. The vandalism, captured in a video posted on social media, depicted individuals wearing shirts with 'Just Stop Oil' branding, defacing the ancient monoliths with paint. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak condemned the act as a disgraceful act of vandalism, calling for those responsible to face the full force of the law. Historian Tom Holland also expressed criticism, describing the attack as a transmutation of sympathy into loathing. Stonehenge, a renowned prehistoric site dating back 5,000 years, has been a target of the Just Stop Oil campaign, which aims to end oil, gas, and coal extraction by 2030. English Heritage confirmed that while the orange powder was swiftly removed from the stones without visible damage, the removal process could potentially harm the fragile structure and lichens. Visitors, including a couple who traveled from the USA, expressed disappointment over the incident, with one woman working at Stonehenge even confronting the protesters during the act. As investigations continue and the arrested individuals are released on bail, authorities are cracking down on the Just Stop Oil movement responsible for the protest. The incident has sparked outrage among officials and the public, highlighting the significance of preserving and protecting cultural heritage sites like Stonehenge from acts of vandalism and destruction.