Queen Victoria statue in Belfast vandalised with red paint

In Brief

A statue of Queen Victoria in Belfast was vandalised with red paint, prompting a police appeal for witnesses.

Key Facts

• A statue of Queen Victoria located in the grounds of a Belfast hospital was vandalised with red paint.
• The incident occurred recently, with reports emerging within the last few hours.
• Police in Belfast have appealed for witnesses to come forward with information about the vandalism.
• The republican group Lasair Dhearg posted a photo on social media appearing to show a supporter pouring red paint over the statue.
• The statue is situated on hospital grounds in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

What Happened

A statue of Queen Victoria in the grounds of a Belfast hospital was vandalised with red paint. The republican group Lasair Dhearg posted an image on social media showing a supporter pouring red paint over the statue. Police have launched an appeal for witnesses to assist with their investigation.

Why It Matters

The vandalism of the statue highlights ongoing tensions related to historical symbols in Northern Ireland. The police appeal indicates efforts to address and prevent such incidents. The involvement of a political group may reflect broader societal debates about historical figures and their commemoration.