The Metropolitan Police arrested a 61-year-old on suspicion of racially aggravated criminal damage on Monday (November 27) following the target of mosques and businesses in west London and the Palestinian Mission in Hammersmith with red paint.
In a statement, the force confirmed the arrest of the individual in Ealing, with the twelve offences occurring across the boroughs of Hammersmith and Fulham between October 16 and November 18.
The diplomatic mission for Palestinians had also spoken about death threats towards staff in a recent statement: “On Saturday, 18 November, 2023, at 23.05 the Palestinian Mission to the UK was attacked and vandalised. In addition to death threats, damage to vehicles and vandalism of property, this is the fourth attack in the last few weeks.”
We also highlighted the ongoing targeting of Acton Central Mosque with red paint in recent weeks, as a Syrian café and the Masjid Ezzeitouna faced vandalism with red paint, Asian Image reported.
The man remains in custody.
In a statement, Detective Superintendent Figo Forouzan, who leads the investigation, made clear: “Hate crime has no place in London. Its effects run far deeper than property damage, and the impact on victims can linger beyond the removal of the paint. Officers have been working incredibly hard to identify the individual responsible for these offences and provide the relevant support and reassurance to those affected.
“The victims are being supported by dedicated faith officers, and neighbourhood teams have changed their patrol times and routes to provide additional reassurance.”
Tell MAMA is liaising with the Metropolitan Police further, and we endeavour to provide more updates where possible.