Black paint blitz by climate activists leads to 15 arrests
Met Police officers arrested 15 Extinction Rebellion activists yesterday after black paint was thrown on various buildings in central London.
Two people were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage at a building in Hans Crescent, while at the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy in Victoria Street, two more were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage.
One person was arrested on conspiracy to commit criminal damage and one was arrested on suspicion of going equipped to cause criminal damage.
Five people were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and one for assault at a building in Clerkenwell Green, Islington, while one person was arrested at a building in Lord North Street. Two were arrested at a building in St James Square and one activist was arrested at Buckingham Gate.
At Portland Place, activists sprayed the floor with a water-based paint that washed away in the rain. No suspects were identified.
A further three activists were arrested in the City of London on suspicion of committing similar offences.
Some 13 sites were targeted by Extinction Rebellion and other aligned groups, targeting the offices of companies and organisations which have alleged links to the fossil fuel industry.
The actions follow the conclusion of COP27 in Egypt, which was widely criticised for the heavy presence of representatives of oil and gas companies.
Extinction Rebellion spokeswoman Sarah Hart said: “While the rest of us worry about the cost of turning the heating on, our government is prioritising the profits of the very companies that are jeopardising our climate and environment.
“But everyday people are way ahead of politicians. They want to be able to heat their homes and they want a future for their children.
“So today, Extinction Rebellion are sending the message that it’s time to cut the ties with fossil fuels or lose the social license to operate in the UK.”
Pictured top: Activists get their message across (Picture: XR)
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