Several statues, including of suffragist Millicent Fawcett, were defaced on Saturday during protests in central London, as Met Police encouraged people to come forward
Several statues in central London were defaced during a day of action on Saturday, prompting a police investigation as witnesses are encouraged to come forward.
Thousands of protesters campaigning for trans rights gathered yesterday for an “emergency demonstration” which started in Parliament Square before heading towards St James’s Park. Some were spotted waving flags and holding banners which read “No feminism without trans women” and “Biology is not binary”. In the wake of the demonstrations several statues, including of suffragist Millicent Fawcett, were defaced and police officers are currently trawling through CCTV footage for clues as to who was responsible.
Chief Superintendent, Stuart Bell, who led the policing operation for the protest, said: Criminal damage and vandalism like this has no place on the streets of London and spoils the area for locals and those visiting.
“While the police support the public’s right to protest, criminality like this is senseless and unacceptable. We are pursuing this and will take action against those responsible.
“Working with the Greater London Authority (GLA) plans are underway to remove the graffiti but this requires specialist equipment and we are confident this will be done shortly.
“We are keen to speak to those who saw anything on the day and urge anyone with information, pictures or footage to come forward. Please call 101, quoting 01/7396927/25.”
The Met Police said in a statement: “Officers are also dealing with a number of complaints from the public about signs and images shared on social media that were reportedly displayed at the protest yesterday. Officers are investigating but to date the images and signs are from historic events, did not take place in London, or do not constitute a criminal offence.
“Available footage of the protest is being reviewed and action will be taken if there are signs displayed that breach of the law.”
