Police in England is now investigating racist graffiti left on the walls of a Chinese takeout restaurant as a hate crime amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The incident occurred outside the Tin Sing restaurant in Quarry Bank, Dudley last week where the xenophobic statements “F*** China” and “we don’t want you here, f*** off” were sprayed in front of their store, according to Newsweek.
In a Facebook group post, user Sam Cullinane said the graffiti attack happened overnight between Tuesday and Wednesday.
A spokesperson from the West Midlands police confirmed to the publication that they are now investigating the hate crime case.
“CCTV inquiries are ongoing to determine when the graffiti appeared and the owner will be spoken to and appropriately safeguarded,” the spokesperson said a statement. “We will not tolerate this kind of crime and will do all we can to find those responsible.”
Subscribe to
NextShark's Newsletter
A daily dose of Asian America's essential stories, in under 5 minutes.
Get our collection of Asian America's most essential stories to your inbox daily for free.
Unsure? Check out our Newsletter Archive.
After news of the attack, local leaders quickly condemned the racist graffiti in front of Tin Sing. Councilor Chris Barnett, who represents Quarry Bank on Dudley Council, said he was “absolutely furious,” Express and Star reported.
“It was reported on the Facebook group, but I didn’t even get chance to pick up the phone, Dudley Council were absolutely spot on this morning, I don’t know if they just saw it on social media or what,” Barnett said.
“But the evidence was collected beforehand and I have spoken to the police and they’re taking it seriously. We’ll submit the evidence and we’re hoping to get CCTV too.”
“I’m absolutely furious about it. I know the majority of Quarry Bank are not racist and have respect for this business,” he added. “The business has been there for a very long time. The people who did this should remember this is a hate crime, and the CPS are extremely good at prosecuting them.”
In a Twitter post, former council leader Pete Lowe called the attackers “racist scum.”
“We will not tolerate racism in our borough. As soon as we were made aware of this vile and offensive graffiti we arranged for it to be immediately painted over,” Councilor Laura Taylor, who is responsible for community safety, said. “More than ever it is important that our communities are united during this incredibly challenging time for us as a nation. It is only through working together that we can help to tackle the spread of coronavirus.”
Feature Image via Sam Cullinane
