Parishioners Shocked after Vandals Smash Statue

Case information
Incident date
Country
United Kingdom
Place
Wembley
Categories
  • Social Hostility / Intolerance
Attack Against
  • Faith
Perpetrator / Motive Indicators
  • Private
Hate Crime & Violent Incidents
  • Desecration
  • Vandalism of Public Christian Symbol
Place of Incident
  • Public Christian Symbol (outside place of worship)
Bias Indicators
  • Lack of Other Motive
  • Significance of Property/Structure/Location to religious community
  • Victim/Witness Perception
Reported to Police
  • Yes
Response of Local Authorities
  • Investigated
Image credit: Social Media

A statue of Mary outside St Joseph Church in Wembley in the Diocese of Westminster, was smashed into pieces in the night of August 7, leaving behind the empty plinth. The parishioners are shocked. Police presence around the church will be reinforced.

A police team went to the scene to carry out an investigation. The Goan community, to which the church belongs, is shocked. "I will report this to a higher level and the G.O.A if necessary. The UK stands ready to provide support to the Goan community in Wembley," said G.O.A. UK President Ravi Vaz.

“The Parish community as a whole is saddened by this mindless act. But we will utilise this opportunity to strengthen our faith,” an office staff member told the Catholic Herald.

It remains unclear whether the attacked happened in connection to the ongoing turmoil in the UK, as the office was unable to confirm any disturbances in the local area in the night of the attack.

Sources