Hate crime investigation launched after racist and antisemitic graffiti found

PLEASE NOTE: No offence is intended by the use of this photograph. We have chosen to show the graffiti without blurring the words in order to reflect the seriousness and severity of what was written.

The Not Really Here Media Group does not condone racism, antisemitism or hatred of any kind towards any group or individual. We extend our sympathies to all those affected by the recent tragedy at Bondi Beach in Australia. There is no place for this behaviour in our society.

Offensive acts of graffiti have appeared in Glossop town centre over the weekend.

Antisemitic graffiti has been daubed at the top of the steps between Henry Street and the railway station, and racist graffiti targeting Black people has been found beside a public footpath off Quarry Close.

Cllr Damien Greenhalgh, Deputy Leader of High Peak Borough Council, said:

“I was utterly disgusted to come across vile racist graffiti while out delivering the Labour Rose leaflets with Jon Pearce MP on Saturday near Quarry Close. I was even more appalled to learn of antisemitic graffiti reported elsewhere in the town centre.

"This hateful abuse has no place in Glossop. It is designed to intimidate and divide, and it will not be tolerated. These incidents have been reported as hate crimes; the police are investigating, and the Council acted to remove the graffiti immediately on Monday morning.

"Glossop is an inclusive town, and we stand firmly with our Jewish and Black residents who have been targeted by this abuse. We will not look the other way.”

High Peak MP Jon Pearce has also condemned the incidents, saying:

“Racism and antisemitism are on the rise, and when hate is not stamped out the consequences are real. We have seen this in horrific antisemitic terror attacks, including here in Manchester and in Australia over the weekend.

"High Peak is a community built on respect, kindness and solidarity. Those who carry out acts like this want to intimidate and divide us, but they will not succeed. There is absolutely no place for hatred in Glossop or anywhere in High Peak.

"To those responsible for this vandalism, be absolutely clear: you do not represent High Peak, and your hatred will not be tolerated.

"To our Jewish and Black residents, and to everyone affected by these incidents, I stand with you. We will root this evil out, and our community is stronger than those who seek to divide us.

"I want to thank Derbyshire Constabulary for attending the scene quickly and for their ongoing investigation. I will continue working closely with the police, the council and community leaders to ensure this is dealt with properly and that residents feel supported and safe.”

Derbyshire Constabulary has confirmed the incidents are being treated as hate crimes and enquiries are ongoing. A spokesperson said:

“We received a report that a group of people were spraying offensive graffiti on the steps near Glossop railway station on Friday 12 December. Officers went to the scene but the people responsible had left. Investigations into the incident are ongoing and anyone with any information is asked to contact us quoting reference 25000726630.”

Members of the public can provide information via the Derbyshire Constabulary website, the Derbyshire Constabulary Facebook page, by calling 101, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.