Just Stop Oil protesters arrested at Dippy exhibition in Coventry

Police said two bags of paint were also seized



Two Just Stop Oil protesters were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to cause criminal damage in Coventry this morning after climbing into the Dippy exhibit at the Herbert Art Gallery. Security guards tackled two of the protesters as they tried to gain access to the dinosaur cast.

Police said two large bags of dry paint were also seized at the scene by officers. The two people arrested - a man and a woman - remain in custody this afternoon for questioning.

Dippy has proved hugely popular since taking up residency at the Herbert earlier this year, with crowds pouring in to see the diplodocus cast, dubbed Britain's favourite dinosaur.

Just Stop Oil is a coalition of groups working together to pressure the Government into halting new fossil fuel licensing and production. They have been taking part in protests across the country since November.

Last year, Just Stop Oil engaged in protests at the Kingsbury Oil Terminal in North Warwickshire. The group has also caused huge disruption with supporters climbing motorway gantries on the M25 and the QEII Bridge in Dartford, Kent, as well as blocking main roads in London.

West Midlands Police said: "We arrested two people following disorder at the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum in Coventry around 10am today (10 April). A woman, aged 67, and a man, aged 21, have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to cause criminal damage and remain in custody for questioning.

"Two large bags of dry paint were also seized by officers. We have Protest Liaison Officers remaining on scene to keep people safe and disruption to a minimum."