London Labour election candidate ‘will not be intimidated’ after office windows smashed

A Labour General Election candidate has said vandals do not “intimidate” her after the window and door of her office were smashed.

Stella Creasy, who is standing in Walthamstow in north-east London on July 4, posted images of the damage on social media which happened in the early hours of Sunday.

She also said “malicious and false” leaflets were handed out.

The Metropolitan Police said the office on Orford Road was targeted between 3.10am and 3.30am on Sunday.

Addressing “whoever attacked my office last night”, Ms Creasy wrote on social media: “You don’t intimidate me and you don’t belong in the political process.

“Same as those circulating malicious and false leaflets. Police already on this to find you – will press for the strongest penalties for such an anti-democratic attack and I know Walthamstow won’t be cowed or influenced by your violence either.”

The Metropolitan police has launched an “urgent investigation” into the incident.

Detective Superintendent Dion Brown said: “It is entirely unacceptable for the office of one of London’s prospective parliamentary candidates to be targeted in this way.

“An urgent investigation is under way, and officers attended the scene and are following up active lines of enquiry, which will include full analysis of all available CCTV footage.”

Scotland Yard also posted a CCTV image of a hooded man on social media.

A Labour spokesperson said: “We completely condemn any intimidation tactics towards candidates of any party. It is vital to our democracy that parliamentary candidates are able to campaign freely.”

Anyone who witnessed the damage being caused, or who has other information, should call police on 101 with the reference 2621/23jun. Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers, 100% anonymously, on 0800 555 111.