Four protesters arrested at BP conference

Four protesters have been arrested at the annual general meeting of UK oil giant BP.

Police said a group attempted to enter the auditorium of the International Centre for Business and Technology building in Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey.

During a routine search carried out by BP security staff as the four people tried to enter the meeting, a red liquid was thrown, said police.

Det Ch Supt Juliet Parker said: “Where lawful, we will seek to facilitate peaceful protests, but any violence and risk to public safety will not be tolerated.”

A 33-year-old man and two women – aged 24 and 40 – were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit criminal damage.

A 27-year-old woman was also arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and common assault on a security officer.

The group, all from London, were removed from the building by security staff before they were arrested by police.

Ms Parker said: “Criminal activity will not be tolerated in any form.

“Thanks to the quick response by BP's security staff and our officers, we were able to ensure everyone was kept safe.”

A statement shared by Fossil Free London on X, formerly Twitter, said: “We've just disrupted BP's AGM.

“We are in shock at this overreach of peaceful protest.”

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