Police are looking for a hooded suspect after Pride flags were vandalised in Forest Gate.
Three large painted Pride flags on the pavement outside Forest Gate railway station were found vandalised by police on July 19, after previous incidents on June 23 and 25.
The flags, which represent unity among the LGBTQ+ community, were painted and graffitied over, one entirely covered with red paint.
Today (July 21) police released an image of a hooded suspect and have appealed for witnesses after the incident labelled a homophobic and transphobic hate crime.
Detective Inspector James Rush said: "We stand with the local LGBTQ+ community and will not tolerate these disgusting, inexcusable hate crimes in Forest Gate.
"We are committed to continuing our thorough investigation and attempting to identify the offender," he added.
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Det. Insp. Rush said police think the offender is the same person who committed the damage in June at the same place.
No arrests have been made, but police continue enquiries, including trawling CCTV and making house-to-house visits.
Caron Harrison, co-founder of Forest Gayte Pride, a community organisation, said: "Once again the LGBTQI+ community in Forest Gate and further afield is appalled at the defacing of our flags.
"We have had an amazing amount of love and support from our many allies and are hopeful that this person will be caught and dealt with.
“There is far too much hate and we will continue to fight for our rights. They can try to intimidate us and paint over our flags, but they cannot paint over our pride," she added.
Police continue to appeal for information following an earlier public appeal.
Det. Insp. Rush added: “I want to directly address the local community in Forest Gate. Someone knows who this person is.
"Do the right thing, and tell police, or to remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers."
Anyone with information can contact police by calling 101 or via the Met Police website, quoting reference 1117/17JUL24.
To remain anonymous, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Information can also be provided to the LGBTQ+ charity Galop by visiting www.galop.org.uk
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