Detectives investigating reports of criminal damage to a number of statues in central London have released images of a person they wish to trace.
Whilst the images do not show the cowards face, they might jog somone’s memory if, for example, the individual responsible was seen by someone entering or leaving the areas which were damaged.
In the true style of a coward, the suspect appears to be wearing ski goggles and has covered their face in an attempt to hide their appearance.
Detective Inspector Dave Watkinson, said:
“I am hopeful that due to this person’s odd appearance, someone may remember seeing them making their way to or from the statues.
“As a result of the damage caused, the suspect would have left the scenes covered in white paint.”
On the evening of Sunday, 20 January, police received a report of criminal damage to the Bomber Command memorial in Green Park near Piccadilly.
On Monday, 21 January, police also received subsequent reports of damage to the ‘Allies Statue’ of Winston Churchill and Franklin D Roosevelt in New Bond Street, the Canada Memorial in Green Park, The Royal Marine Memorial in The Mall and the Yvonne Fletcher memorial in St James’s Square.
In all cases white paint had been splashed on the memorials.
White paint was also found on a shop window on Old Bond Street.
At this early stage in the investigation, all the incidents are being treated as linked.
Detectives from Central West CID are investigating and are continuing to carry out a number of enquiries including forensic examination and the ongoing review of CCTV.
It is now thought that the suspect commenced their acts of criminal damage at the Bomber Command memorial before heading along the Mall towards Trafalgar Square.
They would have passed Canada House in the direction of St James’s Square, before ending on Jermyn Street.
Detective Inspector Dave Watkinson, added:
“This wanton vandalism continues to illicit a strong response from the community.
“We have carried out an extensive review of local CCTV and are now satisfied that the person in the images released today is responsible for the damage. We are appealing for the media and
“While it is not possible to identify the person’s face, someone may recognise their clothing.
“The route we believe they took is usually very busy – especially Trafalgar Square – and they are likely to have been seen by a number of people.
“Did you see this person walking between statues? Were you travelling on public transport and remember seeing someone with white paint on their clothes?
“I would urge anyone with information to come forward and speak with us.”
The emergency services and armed forces community, as well as the majority of the general public, have been in an uproar following the mindless attack carried out by this individual on the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the defence of this country.
Anyone who has information is asked to call the incident room on 020 7321 8210 where they can speak to a detective from Central West CID. Alternatively, you can call 101 quoting CAD reference 6493/20Jan or Tweet @MetCC.
Information can also be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org
No arrests have been made and enquiries continue
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Great to see photos of this utter moron. Now he needs to be identified and passed between representatives of all of the monuments he defaced! 😊😊😊