Just Stop Oil spark outrage after spraying paint over 198-year-old Wellington Arch

Protesters assembled at approximately 10.15 this morning before setting off smoke flares and spraying the bright orange paint using fire extinguishers.

JSO also hoisted banners for their group before waiting for police to arrive and arrest them.

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Photos show three protesters standing in front of the monument wielding flags and holding orange paint dispensers.

In a statement, police said they responded to the incident as soon as they were made aware.

"Police were made aware of Just Stop Oil protestors spraying paint on Wellington Arch today (Wednesday, 25 October) at 10:19hrs,” Met Police said.

"Officers that were nearby immediately responded.

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"Three people have been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage."

Users on social media expressed their outrage at the vandalism.

One user branded the protesters as "clowns", whilst another said: "[They] should be made the clean it off then put in prison for 3 months serve all 3 months."

It comes after Just Stop Oil blocked a coach taking the first group of migrants back to Bibby Stockholm barge last week.

As many as 23 supporters of Just Stop Oil blocked the road, the only one with access to the boat on the Isle of Portland.

The group unfurled a banner reading “No Prison Ships” as they stood in front of the coach, stopping asylum seekers heading back to the barge two months after it was evacuated following the discovery of Legionella.

The coach, which had around 30 migrants on board, moved forward as the protesters pushed against it and screamed at the driver to stop.

However, their attempts were unsuccessful, and they were forced to give up on the blockage.

Just Stop Oil said they were “repeatedly driven into, resulting in them leaving the carriageway for their own safety.”

The group admitted defeat and accused the driver of “intent to kill”.

A spokesman said: “We are saddened to report that we were unable to halt transportation of refugees to the prison - the driver rammed through the block, risking killing those in front.”