Two Just Stop Oil protestors have been charged in connection with throwing an orange substance over the rocks at Stonehenge back in June.

Wiltshire Police have charged Rajan Naidu, 73, of Gosford Street, Birmingham, and Niamh Lynch, 22, of Norfolk Road, Bedford, with destroying or damaging an ancient protected monument, and intentionally or recklessly causing a public nuisance.

At around 11am on Wednesday, June 18, two protestors ran across to the monument and began spraying the stones with an orange powdered paint.

The incident occurred just a day before thousands of people were expected to visit the iconic site to celebrate Summer Solstice.

In a press release, Just Stop Oil named Lynch and Naidu as the protestors who sprayed the monument.

(Image: Just Stop Oil) A Just Stop Oil spokesperson said: “The UK’s government in waiting has committed to enacting Just Stop Oil’s original demand of ‘no new oil and gas’. However, we all know this is not enough.

"Continuing to burn coal, oil and gas will result in the death of millions. We have to come together to defend humanity or we risk everything. That’s why Just Stop Oil is demanding that our next government sign up to a legally binding treaty to phase out fossil fuels by 2030.

"Failure to commit to defending our communities will mean Just Stop Oil supporters, along with citizens from Austria, Canada, Norway, the Netherlands and Switzerland will join in resistance this summer if their own Governments do not take meaningful action.

"Stone circles can be found in every part of Europe showing how we’ve always cooperated across vast distances. We’re building on that legacy.” 

Lynch and Naidu have been bailed to appear at Salisbury Magistrates’ Court on December 13.

Sophie Stevens, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS Wessex said: “The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised Wiltshire Police to charge Naidu Rajan and Niamh Lynch with offences related to damage caused to the protected monument Stonehenge on 19 June 2024.

 “They will appear at Salisbury Magistrates' Court on 13 December 2024 for a first hearing.

 “I would like to remind all concerned that there are active criminal proceedings against these individuals, and they have the right to a fair trial. There must be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online that may in any way prejudice these proceedings.”