Some 40 Occupy Wall Street protesters early this morning returned to their old stomping grounds, where “Law and Order: SVU’’ was set to shoot an episode today.

The TV show had recreated the demonstrators’ encampment at Foley Square, complete with tents and tables.

Following rumors that the real protestors might interfere with the filming, about 40 cops set up barricades around the set and were there when the demonstrators arrived shortly after midnight.

They left soon afterward when the show’s staffers took down the tents and cops announced the permit to film had been revoked.

“They were exploiting the movement,’’ said one demonstrator who asked not to be identified.

Another said, “they tried co-op the movement, but they were co-opted.’’