Detectives arrest suspect in linked Islamophobic incidents at Palestinian Mission, mosques, and businesses across west London.

A 61-year-old man was arrested in Ealing on Monday, 27 November, on suspicion of racially aggravated criminal damage after red paint was thrown or sprayed at the locations.

The offences took place in the boroughs of Ealing and Hammersmith and Fulham on 12 separate occasions between Monday, 16 October and Saturday, 18 November.

The man was taken into custody where he remains.

Image of a man spraying what appears to be paint at the Palestinian Mission in Hammersmith on 18 November (credit: PalMissionUK/ X).

Detective Superintendent Figo Forouzan, leading the investigation, said: "Hate crime has no place in London. Its effects run far deeper than property damage, and the impact on victims can linger beyond the removal of the paint.

"Officers have been working incredibly hard to identify the individual responsible for these offences and provide the relevant support and reassurance to those affected.

"The victims are being supported by dedicated faith officers, and neighbourhood teams have changed their patrol times and routes to provide additional reassurance."

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Following one incident on Saturday 18 November, the Palestinian Mission in the UK called on the government to take action to ensure the "security and safety" of its staff.

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