County Hall vandalised in red for the third time
Somerset Council have 'strongly condemned' the incident
Last updated 18th Apr 2024
For the third time, County Hall in Somerset has been vandalised in red paint.
Activists have targeted the building a number of times over recent months over links with a contractor previously used by a now defunct local authority based in Israel.
A spokesperson for the local authority previously told us: "We believe this incident relates to a legacy commercial investment by Sedgemoor District Council which we have already agreed to dispose of.
"While we respect the right of individuals and groups to protest, we strongly condemn this criminal damage on a Grade II listed public building which will need to be removed at taxpayers’ expense."
A spokesperson from Avon and Somerset Police said: "We received a report this morning (Thursday 18 April) after paint was sprayed on the walls of County Hall in Taunton.
"Enquiries into the incident are ongoing and officers have attended the scene to gather evidence.
"This is the third incident of this nature to take place in the past month and we are keeping an open mind as to whether the incidents are connected. Following the second incident, on Thursday 4 April, four people were arrested and they remain on conditional bail.
"We continue to work closely with the council to gather evidence and information following the offences, as well as how to prevent further incidents.
"If you were in the area near the County Hall anytime between 7.30pm yesterday (Wednesday 17 April) and 6am today (18 Apr) and you saw anything suspicious, please call 101 and quote reference 5224098605."