18 October 2023 , 09:02
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This is the moment a man was allegedly caught writing "coloniser" on the poster of a hostage kidnapped by Hamas.
Police have launched an investigation into the footage, which was taken yesterday morning in West Hampstead, London. It shows a woman confronting the man, who is wearing an orange hi-vis coat as he scrawls on an appeal to find a missing two-year-old girl.
She asks him: "Excuse me can you please stop it?", to which he responds: "It's freedom of speech." She goes on to accuse him of writing the word "coloniser", and he says: "It's not hurtful."
The woman, who sounds noticeably upset, continues: "So why are you writing on there? Stop it. I've had the worst morning." He replies: "Ok you've had the worst morning and now you're putting it on me." She then says: "I've had the worst week - I know people who have died."
Police have launched an investigation into the footage (Campaign Against Antisemitism)
The clip was taken yesterday morning in West Hampstead, London (Campaign Against Antisemitism)The clip was shared to Twitter by the charity Campaign Against Antisemitism, which wrote: "This man was caught writing 'coloniser' on posters of hostages kidnapped by Hamas terrorists. The incident took place this morning on West End Lane in West Hampstead. If you have further information about him, please e-mail [email protected]."
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The video is now being assessed by Metropolitan Police officers, who appealed for anyone with information to get in touch. A spokesperson for West Hampstead's local policing team said: "We are aware of a video posted on social media allegedly showing a man defacing posters in West Hampstead.
"Officers are assessing the footage and an investigation is ongoing. Witnesses should call 101 ref CAD 2578/17 Oct." The statement comes after police patrols were stepped up in the capital after separate footage emerged of people appearing to celebrate the attack on Israel, in the wake of Hamas' violent incursion.
The man can be seen writing on an appeal to find a missing two-year-old girl kidnapped by Hamas (Campaign Against Antisemitism)
The video is now being assessed by Metropolitan Police officers (Campaign Against Antisemitism)In a previous statement, Scotland Yard said: "We are aware of a number of incidents, including those that have been shared on social media, in relation to the ongoing conflict in Israel and the border with Gaza. The Met has increased policing patrols across parts of London in order to provide a visible presence and reassurance to our communities.
"We remain in contact with partners and community leaders to listen to any concerns. Anyone who experiences threatening behaviour or is worried about their safety is urged to contact police. We are aware that the ongoing conflict may lead to protests over the coming days. We will ensure that an appropriate policing plan is in place in order to balance the right to protest against any disruption to Londoners."