Red Paint Attack at Israeli Embassy Sparks Arrests
John Harvey, 75, was caught red-handed after splashing red paint over the gates of the Israeli Embassy in London. He was arrested on November 11 by Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection officers, charged with criminal damage.
Racial Assault Charges Hit Two More Men
- Justin Nathaniel Brookes, 48, is accused of racially and religiously aggravated assault. He allegedly hurled Islamophobic abuse and attacked hospital staff in Westminster on November 9. He remains in custody ahead of a hearing at Croydon Magistrates’ Court.
- Dijan Akhtar, 51, faces racially aggravated public order charges after racially abusing a man in his 60s on Ilford’s High Road on November 11.
Teen Arrested Over Pro-Hamas Online Post
In a parallel swoop, counter-terror detectives arrested a 17-year-old in south London early November 14. The teenager is suspected of supporting Hamas through an online post flagged by the Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit (CTIRU), part of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command.
Commander Dominic Murphy said: “We continue to see a large number of public referrals about extremist and terrorist content online. Every referral is assessed carefully, and where evidence exists, we act swiftly to arrest suspects.”
Ongoing Crackdown After Armistice Day Tensions
The Met is still chasing suspects linked to hate crimes, violent disorder, and assaults after a volatile march and counter-protest on Armistice Day. Officers are combing through hundreds of hours of CCTV and social media footage.
Chief Superintendent Louise Puddefoot said: “The fallout from the Israel-Hamas conflict is reverberating across London. We are backing communities and cracking down on offenders.”
Police Appeal for Public Help
The Met has released 11 suspect images linked to counter-terrorism probes. Anyone recognising these men or with information is urged to report confidentially at gov.uk/ACT or call 0800 789 321.
