Two Just Stop Oil activists have soiled a Vincent Van Gogh “Sunflowers” painting in the National Gallery by throwing cans of Heinz tomato soup over the masterpiece.

The vandal activists, named by the group as Phoebe Plummer, 21, and Anna Holland, 20, both wearing Just Stop Oil t-shirts, entered the London gallery and sullied the artwork, worth an estimated $84.2m, at around 11am.

Tomato soup covered the image, which is covered by glass, as well as parts of the golden frame.

They then glued themselves to the wall beneath the painting. The Met Police said officers arrived rapidly on scene at the National Gallery and both protesters have been arrested for criminal damage and aggravated trespass.

Met Police Commander Karen Findlay, Major Ops and Public Order, said: “Both individuals who have committed criminal damage and aggravated trespass at the National Gallery have been arrested,” and that they are being de-bonded to take into custody.

“Wholly unacceptable behaviour, not tolerated,” she added.

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A National Gallery spokesperson said: “At just after 11am this morning two people entered Room 43 of the National Gallery.

“The pair appeared to glue themselves to the wall adjacent to Van Gogh’s ‘Sunflowers’ (1888). They also threw a red substance – what appears to be tomato soup – over the painting.

“The room was cleared of visitors and police were called. Officers are now on the scene.

“There is some minor damage to the frame but the painting is unharmed.”