An eco-protester put face masks on exhibits from the Chinese Terracotta Army at the British Museum.

The man jumped barriers to place masks bearing the slogan “CO2 emission polluter” on two of the life-sized figures to highlight China’s poor pollution record.

Security guards intervened after they were alerted by other visitors, reports the London Evening Standard.

Martin Wyness, 49, was dragged away from the 2,200-year-old exhibits and has been banned for life from visiting the museum.

A Chinese official who travelled with the exhibits was inspecting the soldiers to see if they have been damaged.

Security has now been stepped up but Mr Wyness, 49, said he had no regrets about his actions.

“I did it because I have got two children and I am very, very concerned about the global inaction over climate change, particularly what is happening in China.”

My Wyness travelled from his Herefordshire home with daughters Sophie, 14, and Ruby, seven, and insisted he had not damaged the figures.

“It is a shame that I have been banned for life because I love the British Museum, all of their exhibitions are wonderful, but the future of my children is more important than my pleasure of visiting the British Museum.”

A British Museum spokeswoman said: “The British Museum can confirm an incident took place and that the gentleman was immediately detained by British Museum staff. Security measures have been further strengthened.”

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