The Met Police are investigating a hate crime at a Hackney park after swastikas were sprayed over a children’s playground.
Pictures of the incident show the Nazi symbols sprayed on a number of blue stones at Clissold Park in Stoke Newington.
The Met told the Standard it is investigating reports of criminal damage at the popular park after the incident was first reported to the police on Sunday, which also marked the final day of the Jewish holiday of Passover.
A spokesperson added: “This incident has been recorded as a hate crime due to swastika symbols being painted on the park equipment.
“Enquiries remain ongoing.”
The graffiti has since been cleaned up by Hackney Council.
I won’t share the abhorrent graffiti that defaced this play area but wanted to let concerned residents know that @hackneycouncil teams were out last night and again this morning to remove it. Everyone should feel safe to #play in #Hackney #NoPlaceforHate pic.twitter.com/gu50CCHnMa
— Mayor of Hackney (@mayorofhackney) April 21, 2025
In a post on X, the Mayor of Hackney Caroline Woodley wrote: “I won’t share the abhorrent graffiti that defaced this play area but wanted to let concerned residents know that Hackney Council teams were out last night and again this morning to remove it.
“Everyone should feel safe to play in Hackney.”
Hackney councillor Susan Fajana Thomas, Cabinet Member for community safety and regulatory services, added: “Hackney Council strongly condemns the hateful graffiti that appeared in a local play area this week. This behaviour is completely unacceptable and has no place in our borough.
“As soon as the incident was reported, our teams responded swiftly, attending the site late last night and again this morning to ensure the offensive graffiti was removed as quickly as possible.
“We are committed to ensuring that everyone in Hackney feels safe in our public spaces, especially places designed for children and families. We’re also working closely with partners, including the police, to investigate this matter and take any further necessary action.
“We encourage residents to report any hate crime or hateful vandalism by contacting the police on 101 or report via https://hackney.gov.uk/crime-and-safety ”
