The Metropolitan police said today (8 July) that officers are continuing to investigate the circumstances around vandalism to the exhibition honouring the Windrush generation in Brixton.
This follows an earlier statement in which they said the incident was not being treated as a hate crime.
Police said they were alerted to vandalism in Windrush Square shortly after 6am on Thursday, 3 July.
Officers arrested a 24-year-old man on Saturday, 5 July on suspicion of vandalism. The suspect was then taken to hospital due to concerns for his welfare.
Police have failed to respond directly to enquries from the Blog about reports that police officers attempted to mitigate damage to the 20 images in the Windrush Untold Stories exhibition at th time the damage was done. All the images were defaced.
People who witnessed the incident say police officers attempted to clean paint from some of the large images in the exhibition.
The Source newsletter reported today that the Met is reviewing the actions of officers who “attempted to remove the paint” from the crime scene.
All the images have been damaged around the eyes of the subjects by a sharp instrument.
Police said today that when the man they had detained was returned to custody, he was further arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated criminal damage and possessing articles with intent to destroy or damage property.
“Investigating officers continue to explore all possible motives,” the Met said in a statement, adding: “However, based on additional enquiries since the suspect’s further arrest in custody, they still do not believe this incident is racially motivated.”
Detective Chief Superintendent Emma Bond, who leads policing in Lambeth, said: “We absolutely recognise the concern this matter has caused and that the community perceives this to be a hate crime.
“That is why the suspect was further arrested while in custody on suspicion of racially aggravated offences.
“While the evidence does not support this act being racially motivated, our priority is to ensure the victims and wider community feel heard and supported as they navigate this painful and shocking act of vandalism.
“Local neighbourhood officers have been in contact with the organiser of the exhibition, and remain in the area to respond to any questions or worries that people may have.
“My team continue to investigate this incident and we urge anyone with information to contact police.”
The man arrested has been bailed pending further enquiries.
Anyone with information that may assist police is asked to call 101 quoting CAD 1182/3July.
An appeal by the organisers of the exhibition tp raise funds to restore it has already received pledges of more than £4,000. The sum required is £15,000.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-us-restore-vandalised-windrush-untold-stories-portraits
Thank you for publishing this important news update.
It is truly sad that another so-called local community news website seems more preoccupied with attacking the local individual who organised the event concerned, and whose image was one of those damaged in the attack.