AN ENVIRONMENTAL protest group has denied being behind graffiti which has been scrawled across the side of an historic Oxford building.

The writing which states 'Save the Planet' next to a symbol often associated with the activist group Extinction Rebellion has been scribbled on All Saints Church in High Street.

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The Grade I listed building, which serves as Lincoln College's Library, dates back to the eighteenth century and is one of the street's most recognisable sights.

Ben Kenward, a member of the group, said it had investigated the incident and concluded that none of its 'core members' were responsible.

He said: "That symbol has been around for a long time to indicate species extinction and people have been using it before us.

"As a group not everything we do is legal because we feel the Government is failing to protect the people from climate breakdown.

"But that doesn't justify the use of all illegal methods and we would not justify graffiti on buildings that have nothing to do with it."

Oxford Mail:

Dr Kenward said 450 people had attended a public meeting called by the group last Thursday to hear speaker George Monbiot.

They are concentrating on mobilising hundreds of people from Oxford to attend a Rebellion Week in London, aimed at bringing roads to a standstill.