Extinction Rebellion protesters storm five-star central London hotel

Extinction Rebellion activists have stormed a five-star hotel in central London in protest of an oil summit taking place on Tuesday.

Three demonstrators found their way into the conference suite in the May Fair Hotel, according to XR, while others held banners outside with the words “Justice for Africa” and “End Oil Colonialism”.

The Metropolitan Police said some protesters have glued themselves together, while a police “de-bonding team” is attempting to separate them.

Police are at the scene and have taped-off an area around the hotel’s entrance.

No arrests have yet been made.

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: “We were called at 7.18am on Tuesday, May 17 to reports of criminal damage to a building at Stratton Street, W1.

“Officers attended. At the scene a group of protesters had glued themselves together and paint had been sprayed on a building.

“The police de-bonding team and local officers remain on scene. There have been no arrests. The scene remains in place and the incident ongoing.”

The May Fair Hotel, which is a short walk from Buckingham Palace, is hosting the annual Energies Summit.

The annual summit brings together Africa’s energy industry for a “unique event shaped for companies active in Africa’s energy game,” according to the event’s website.

The conference is being attended by oil executives such as from Africa Oil Corp and energy giant Shell, and African heads of state.

The May Fair Hotel has been contacted for comment.