Ealing man arrested after vandalism of Palestinian Mission and local mosques

Image above: A CCTV recording of a man throwing red paint at the Palestinian Mission in Hammersmith

“Hate crimes have no place in London”

A man from Ealing has been arrested after a series of attacks on the Palestinian Mission in Hammersmith, as well as a series of other attacks on mosques and businesses across west London.

On Monday, 27 November, a 61-year-old man was arrested in Ealing on suspicion of racially aggravated criminal damage after red paint was thrown or sprayed at the locations.

The offences took place in the boroughs of Hammersmith and Fulham, and Ealing on 12 separate occasions between Monday, 16 October and Saturday, 18 November.

The man was taken into custody where he remains.

Detective Superintendent Figo Forouzan, leading the investigation, said:

“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.”

Image above: Rupa Huq MP visits a mosque in her constituency of Ealing Central & Acton after one of the attacks

Attacks are increasing as Government “ignores” request for diplomatic protection, says Palestinian Mission

In a statement on X, formerly Twitter, following one of a series of attacks, the Palestinian Mission said:

“Increasing attacks against the Palestinian Mission to the UK as the British Government continues to ignore requests for diplomatic protection.

“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.

“All attacks and threats have been reported to the British police and the president of the State of Palestine has requested immediate diplomatic police protection to the Mission in London from the U.K. prime minister, holding the UK government responsible for the safety of the Palestinian ambassador, staff and families.

“Until today, the UK government has failed to provide such diplomatic protection, in line with international norms. The lack of any action by the British government, ignoring Palestinian rights and concerns, is inexplicable and unacceptable.

“It is the responsibility of the U.K. government to enable the Palestinian Mission in London to function unhindered. We urge, yet again, the British government to take immediate steps to ensure the security and safety of the Palestinian Mission, its ambassador and staff.”

Increasing attacks against the Palestinian Mission to the UK as the British Government continues to ignore requests for diplomatic protection

On Saturday 18 November, 2023, at 23.05 the Palestinian Mission to the UK was attacked and vandalised. In addition to death threats,… pic.twitter.com/vbjY4cBwMW

— Palestine in the UK (@PalMissionUK) November 19, 2023

Above: Post on X by the Palestinian Mission