Met police appeal for information following criminal damage to seven statues in Westminster

The Met Police is appealing for information following criminal damage to seven statues during a protest in Parliament Square, Westminster on Saturday, 19 April.

Officers are currently trawling CCTV footage from the surrounding area after statues were defaced with graffiti and are appealing to anyone who may have been in attendance with information, footage or pictures to come forward by calling 101 quoting 01/7396927/25.

No arrests have been made.

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.”

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.