Five individuals who were arrested during an anti-fossil fuels protest at Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's residence have been released on bail while further investigations take place, according to
the police.
Greenpeace activists conducted the protest by draping "oil-black fabric" on the front of the house, situated in a village in North Yorkshire, on Thursday. The arrests included two men and two women on suspicion of causing criminal damage and public nuisance, while a third man was apprehended for suspected public nuisance.
At the time of the protest, neither the Prime Minister nor his family were present as they were on holiday in the United States, as confirmed by Mr. Sunak's office.
The incident came to the attention of North Yorkshire Police at approximately 08:05 BST on Thursday. Law enforcement officers contained the area, ensuring no unauthorized entry into the building. Specialized police liaison officers were deployed to facilitate the safe removal of the protesters from the roof of the property.
Assistant Chief Constable Elliot Foskett emphasized that the incident posed no threat to the general public and was resolved safely.
Rishi Sunak acquired the property after becoming the Member of Parliament for the rural Richmond constituency in 2015. The Grade II listed house, built in 1826, boasts extensive gardens. In 2021, planning permission was granted for an annex featuring a swimming pool, gym, and tennis court. Photo by OsvaldoGago, Wikimedia commons.