Winston Churchill statue in Woodford Green vandalised

The graffti was washed on Wednesday morning and police have stepped up patrols in the area, though there are no specific intelligence threats to the borough's statues and memorials. Picture: Redbridge Council (Image: Archant)

Redbridge Council has been monitoring the statue during the day but the graffiti was painted overnight and cleaned on Wednesday morning.

The council said it has not received specific intelligence that the borough’s statues and memorials are under threat but police have been asked to monitor them to deter any further damage.

The statue was erected in 1959 while he was MP for Woodford from 1945-1964.

Leader of the Conservative group Cllr Linda Huggett said: “There are no words to express the pain of the last week and there is no place for racism or hatred within Redbridge or our community.

The statue is a rare example where the subject was present when it was erected in 1959 while Winston Churchill served as MP for Woodford. (Image: Archant)

“This vandalism was, however, a travesty of Churchill’s epic record in saving the United Kingdom and humanity from the tyranny of fascism.

“With his vision and courage he conquered genuine murderous bigotry throughout the war and was a lifelong advocate of democracy.

“He served Woodford as our MP for many years and is known as our Greatest Briton.

“Whilst we support peaceful protest we cannot condone wanton acts of violence or vandalism.”

The leader of Redbridge Council, Councillor Jas Athwal, said: “We’re incredibly proud of our diversity in Redbridge. Following the events of this week, we’re reviewing the appropriateness of local monuments and statues on public land and council property.

“As part of this review, we’re committed to carefully examining any links that exist in our borough with slavery and plantation owners, and then taking any necessary action. However, this will only be done in consultation with our local communities.

“The Winston Churchill statue in Woodford was subjected to vandalism earlier in the week, but was immediately cleaned and restored. While we understand this is a very emotive time and feelings are running high, we would please urge people not to take matters into their own hands. We need to take a considered, measured and pragmatic approach towards this sensitive matter, rather than acting in anger and haste. That is what we intend to do with the forthcoming review.”