Police and protestors in stand-off on roof of Buckingham Palace

Police are in a standoff with two protestors who have clambered on top of the roof of Buckingham Palace.

In September 2004, group member Jason Hatch scaled the walls of Buckingham Palace dressed as Batman.

The Queen’s Gallery, where the men scaled the roof, is a public art gallery which contains a wide range of Royal Collection treasures including portraits of Her Majesty.

The Fathers4Justice activist group has recently launched a campaign, known as Stop The War On Dads. The activist also previously scaled Westminster Abbey on Father’s Day.

Fathers 4 Justice have released a statement saying they were not involved with the incident.

Martin Matthews, 48, and Bobby Smith, 33, were arrested on suspicion of trespassing on a protected site after finally coming down at 11pm. The pair then unfurled a banner which read: “I am Harry’s dad”.

The Queen’s Gallery building contains a wide-range of Royal Collection treasures including portraits of the Queen but does not form part of the royal residence.

Mr O’Connor said: “More than anyone we understand the frustrations of Britain’s dads at their continuing inhuman and degrading treatment”. Mr Smith dressed as Elmo for the stunt. They were still there several hours later, and police said they were speaking to the men.

“Officers attended and two males were found to have climbed on to the roof of the entrance at the location”, the spokeswoman said.

A Buckingham Palace spokesman said that security was being handled by Scotland Yard and the palace had no further comment.