Graffiti calling Israel a ‘terrorist state’ scrawled across war memorial
Graffiti calling Israel a “terrorist state” was discovered scrawled across a war memorial last week.
The Met are now appealing for information relating to the damage on the memorial, in Lewisham High Street, Lewisham.
The graffiti was discovered November 13, and police have said it was carried out between midday on November 12, and 9am November 13.
It has since been removed by Lewisham council.
Police Constable Andrew Dobson, investigating officer, said: “Criminal damage and offensive comments of this nature are completely unacceptable and our team are doing all we can to identify those responsible.
“We know that incidents like this cause significant concern in our communities and we will be relentless in targeting those who commit such offences.
“We are asking anyone in the area on Sunday evening or overnight to think back as to whether they saw anything that could help us with our enquiries.”
This comes as tensions rise in the capital as the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues.
An estimated 240 people were kidnapped in the Hamas attacks on October 7, during which 1,200 Israelis were killed.
Since then, the health ministry in Gaza has said 13,000 people in Gaza have been killed in the territory in Israel’s retaliatory campaign.
The Met recorded 408 anti-Semitic crimes in London between October 1 and 27, compared to 28 in the same period last year. In that time, there have been 174 Islamophobic offences compared to 65 in the same period in 2022.
A spokesman from the Met said: “Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC quoting ref 3230309/23 . You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 111 555.”
Picture top: Graffiti on the memorial in Lewisham reads ‘Israel is a terrorist state’ (Picture: The Met)
Everyone at the South London Press thanks you for your continued support.
Former Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has encouraged everyone in the country who can afford to do so to buy a newspaper, and told the Downing Street press briefing:
“A FREE COUNTRY NEEDS A FREE PRESS, AND THE NEWSPAPERS OF OUR COUNTRY ARE UNDER SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL PRESSURE”
If you can afford to do so, we would be so grateful if you can make a donation which will allow us to continue to bring stories to you, both in print and online. Or please make cheques payable to “MSI Media Limited” and send by post to South London Press, Unit 112, 160 Bromley Road, Catford, London SE6 2NZ
