Just Stop Oil activists spray Harrods with orange paint as protests continue across London

Just Stop Oil activists spray Harrods with orange paint as protests continue across London
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Aden-Jay Wood

By Aden-Jay Wood


Published: 20/10/2022

- 10:03

Updated: 14/02/2023

- 10:35

Around 20 Just Stop Oil protesters stopped traffic in Knightsbridge, central London at around 9am on Thursday

Just Stop Oil activists have sprayed Harrods department store with orange paint as protests continue across London.

Around 20 Just Stop Oil protesters stopped traffic in Knightsbridge, central London at around 9am on Thursday.


Two of those protesters then sprayed the outside of Harrods with orange paint, covering the windows of the iconic store.

The latest action comes after two Just Stop Oil activists scaled the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge and stayed there for more than 36 hours, meaning no traffic could cross.

Just Stop Oil activists have sprayed Harrods department store with orange paint
Just Stop Oil activists have sprayed Harrods department store with orange paint
JUST STOP OIL

Orange paint covered the windows of the department store
Orange paint covered the windows of the department store
JUST STOP OIL

They stayed in hammocks and draped a Just Stop Oil banner across the bridge.

Police used an elevated platform, which arrived at the scene on Tuesday afternoon, to remove the men from the bridge.

The men were taken down separately and then arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit public nuisance.

Essex Police’s specialist team will lead the investigation and will collate evidence for a Crown Prosecution Service decision.

National Highways reopened the crossing shortly before 11pm on Tuesday.

Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow said: “We cannot tolerate people carrying out activity which puts lives at risk and prevents people from going about their lives.

“I know this has been really frustrating for the public and the disruption has negatively impacted on businesses and meant people have been late for, or missed, appointments.

“Alongside our partners, we worked hard to resolve this complex situation as quickly and safely as possible.

“Now the situation has been resolved, National Highways will make the decision about when and how the bridge can reopen.

“I want to again reiterate, we are not in any way anti-protest, and we will always seek to facilitate safe protest where we can.

“However, it is unacceptable for people to think they can put lives in danger with irresponsible actions. In this case, it is clear that we had to act, but that action had to be safe and responsible, and I want to again thank the public for their patience and understanding.”

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