Two charged in connection with Stonehenge incident

Two people have been charged after orange paint powder was thrown at the stones of Stonehenge during a Just Stop Oil protest in June.

Wiltshire Police said in a statement: "We have been authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service to charge 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.

"They have been bailed to appear at Salisbury Magistrates' Court on 13 December.

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."