Just Stop Oil: Former Bedford Modern School pupil arrested after covering Stonehenge in orange paint

By Clare Turner
Published 19th Jun 2024, 16:59 BST
Updated 26th Jun 2024, 14:30 BST
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A former Bedford Modern School pupil has been arrested after a Just Stop Oil protest last week.

Niamh Lynch, 21 – now a student in Oxford – was arrested along with Rajan Naidu, 73, from Birmingham for the stunt.

The pair decorated Stonehenge in orange powder paint as crowds are expected to descend on the site to celebrate the Summer Solstice.

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In a statement on the Just Stop Oil site, Niamh said: “Stonehenge at solstice is all about celebrating the natural world – but look at the state it’s in. We all have a right to live a life free from suffering, but continued burning of oil, coal and gas is leading to death and suffering on an unparalleled scale.”

Former Bedford Modern School pupil Niamh Lynch together with Rajan Naidu sitting by Stonehenge after it was sprayed orange (Photo: Just Stop Oil/Supplied) | JSOFormer Bedford Modern School pupil Niamh Lynch together with Rajan Naidu sitting by Stonehenge after it was sprayed orange (Photo: Just Stop Oil/Supplied) | JSO
Former Bedford Modern School pupil Niamh Lynch together with Rajan Naidu sitting by Stonehenge after it was sprayed orange (Photo: Just Stop Oil/Supplied) | JSO

A spokesman for Wiltshire Police said: “We have arrested two people following an incident at Stonehenge this afternoon (June 19). At around noon, we responded to a report that orange paint had been sprayed on some of the stones by two suspects.

“Officers attended the scene and arrested two people on suspicion of damaging the ancient monument. Our enquiries are ongoing, and we are working closely with English Heritage.”