POLICE were called to the university campus at Penryn as a group of students dropped a banner from the top of one of its buildings as part of a protest on Thursday.

Five students from the Divest Penryn group dropped the banner calling on the University of Exeter to ‘Stop Funding Climate Breakdown’.

The group said that The University of Exeter produced leading climate science, but still profited from "worsening the crisis" by investing more than £2 million in fossil fuel companies.

Tallis Baker, a member of Divest Penryn, said afterwards: “The University of Exeter claims to be a climate leader, instead it is being left behind, ruining its reputation.

"We took action today (Thursday) to send a loud and clear message to Sir Steve Smith, the Vice-Chancellor: Stop Funding Climate breakdown.

"We need urgent action to tackle the climate crisis; universities should be bold and lead the way to zero carbon by 2030. This starts with divesting from fossil fuels and declaring a climate emergency.”

Another group member, Emma Eberhardt, added: "Despite pressure from students and staff for more than five years, the University of Exeter has dragged its heels on this most basic demand: stop investing in the companies committed to burning our planet.

"We hope we have made ourselves clear and accept the offer to meet the Vice-Chancellor made to the BBC earlier today (Thursday).

"If progress is not rapid, we’ll be back.”

The banner was dropped from the top of the 14m high Stannery building on the Penryn Campus, which is home to both The University of Exeter and Falmouth University.

The students involved said they wore harnesses and were safely tied to the roof.

The police were called to the campus, but no arrests were made.

A University of Exeter spokesperson told the Packet: “The University of Exeter has just approved a new ethical investment policy.

"We will only invest in companies that demonstrate the best performance and standards of environmental and social behaviour.

"This covers issues such as carbon emissions, environmental sustainability, human rights and employee relations. This policy was developed in consultation with colleagues, students and alumni.

“The Presidents of the Students’ Guild and FXU in Cornwall will be involved in monitoring the new ethical investment policy, and students will be on a new management group so they can have their say on the policy as it evolves over time.

"We have agreed to meet with the Divest group in Cornwall to discuss our ethical investment policy.”