Forest Gate Pride Flags Vandalised Again
Police were called early on the morning of Friday, 19 July, after three large Pride flags painted outside Forest Gate railway station were defaced. This follows similar attacks on 23 and 26 June, sparking outrage in the local community.
Investigation Underway; No Arrests Yet
Officers have scoured CCTV footage, conducted house-to-house enquiries, and carried out forensic investigations. The incidents are being treated as linked, but no arrests have been made so far.
Detective Inspector James Rush from the North East Public Protection Unit said: “We stand with the local LGBTQ+ community and will not tolerate these disgusting, inexcusable hate crimes in Forest Gate.”
He added, “The Met is clear there is no place for hate in London. We urge anyone with information to come forward — someone knows who this person is.”
LGBTQ+ Leaders Condemn Hate Crime
Caron Harrison, co-founder of Forest Gayte Pride, hit out at the attacks: “The LGBTQI+ community in Forest Gate and beyond is appalled. We’ve had waves of love and support from allies and hope the culprit is caught soon.”
She added, “They can try to intimidate us and paint over our flags, but they cannot paint over our pride.”
Police Appeal for Witnesses
- If you have any information, contact police on 101 or via the Met Police website, quoting reference 1117/17JUL24.
- To report anonymously, call Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
Forest Gate community stands united against hate as the investigation continues.
