Detectives believe vandalism to five memorials across London is linked
Damage to five memorials and statues in central London is being treated as linked, police say.
Detectives are investigating after vandals sparked public anger when white paint was found splashed over the Bomber Command Memorial, in London’s Green Park on Sunday night.
Scotland Yard were told of four similar incidents the following day.
The targets included the “Allies Statue” statue of Second World War prime minister Sir Winston Churchill and his US counterpart Franklin D Roosevelt in New Bond Street, the Canada Memorial in Green Park, and the Royal Marines Graspan Memorial on The Mall.
The memorial to murdered police officer Yvonne Fletcher in St James’s Square was also attacked, police said.
In each case, white paint had been splashed over the statues and the Metropolitan Police said all incidents are being treated as linked.
Detectives are trawling through CCTV and appealing for information and witnesses. No arrests have been made.
Detective Inspector Dave Watkinson said: “These crimes have understandably caused anger and offence and we are working hard to identify and apprehend those responsible.
“Our enquiries are moving at pace and I urge anyone who saw anything suspicious at the locations concerned to contact us.”
The RAF Benevolent Fund said it was the fourth time in six years that the Bomber Command Memorial had been vandalised.
It was first targeted in 2013 when a man daubed the word “Islam” on it shortly after the killing of Fusilier Lee Rigby outside Woolwich Barracks.
A week later, a second man wrote “Lee Rigby’s killers should hang”, “EDL” and “F*** the police” on the memorial. He was jailed for 12 weeks.
Britain’s last surviving Dambuster George “Johnny” Johnson, 97, slammed the latest incident.
He said: “What a disgrace, such mindless vandalism.
“How disrespectful to the nearly 58,000 people who gave their lives so that these thugs have the freedom to carry out such acts? I hope they are caught soon, and suitably punished.”
