Heinz soup splattered over £76m Van Gogh Sunflower painting as arrests made

Fuming protesters have lobbed a can of Heinz tomato soup over a famous Vincent Van Gogh painting worth a whopping £76million.

Controversial activists from Just Stop Oil chucked the food over the Sunflower artwork this morning (October 14) before gluing themselves to a nearby wall.

Protesters who identified themselves as Anna Holland, 20, and Phoebe Plummer, 21, took part in the protest demanding the Government stops all new oil and gas projects.

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They reckon the soup-themed protest symbolises how many families can’t afford to heat a meal.

One shouted at bemused onlookers: "What is worth more, art or life? Is it worth more than food? More than justice?

"Are you more concerned about the protection of a painting, or the protection of our planet and people?"

Fortunately for Van Gogh fans, the painting is thought to have survived the attack as it is protected by a sheet of glass.

Just Stop Oil has held a series of high-profile protests across Britain as part of ongoing climate action.

Elsewhere, the Mona Lisa in Paris fell victim to a cake attack while protesters stuck themselves to famous pieces by Botticelli and Boccioni, and Extinction Rebellion protesters in Australia were arrested for gluing themselves to a Picasso.

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Defiant Anna, from Newcastle, told reporters: “UK families will be forced to choose between heating or eating this winter, as fossil fuel companies reap record profits.

“But the cost of oil and gas isn't limited to our bills.

"Somalia is now facing an apocalyptic famine, caused by drought and fuelled by the climate crisis.

"Millions are being forced to move and tens of thousands face starvation.

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"This is the future we choose for ourselves if we push for new oil and gas."

Metropolitan Police officials confirmed on Twitter the pair had been arrested for criminal damage and aggravated trespass.

They added: "Officers were rapidly on scene at the National Gallery this morning after two Just Stop Oil protesters threw a substance over a painting and then glued themselves to a wall."

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