14-07-2025
Jersey's capital St Helier spray-painted with dozens of swastikas, racist and homophobic slurs
Jersey's capital St Helier has been defaced with dozens of swastikas and highly offensive language.
An all-girls primary school, public parks, a bus stop and toilets are among the places affected.
Benches, roads, bins, walls and pavements have all been targeted.
Much of the graffiti is too extreme to repeat but includes racist and homophobic slurs.
Two of the messages read, "N****** LEAVE NOW" and "STOP GAY PRIDE" next to swastikas. Another says, "MEN DESERVE JUSTICE".
The island's Chief Minister, Deputy Lyndon Farnham, says he is "deeply disturbed" and has strongly condemned the "cowardly and destructive act".
Deputy Farnham adds: "Jersey is an inclusive, tolerant, and respectful society. There is no place here for messages of hate or division. Such behaviour not only damages property, but it attempts to undermine the very values that bind us together: mutual respect, dignity, and compassion."
The head of the Jersey Jewish Congregation, Martha Bernstein, says she is "disappointed and shocked" by the widespread graffiti, adding that it "stirs up unpleasant memories" for those who lived through the Nazi Occupation of the Channel Islands.
Just two months ago, thousands gathered in Jersey and Guernsey to celebrate Liberation Day - marking 80 years since the end of German rule.
The States of Jersey Police says it is investigating and reviewing CCTV footage, with the first report made at 7:30am on Friday 11 July.
It states "numerous logs regarding offensive graffiti" have been made, including at West Park, People's Park and Helvetia School - involving vehicles, buildings and general public areas.
Anyone who witnessed suspicious activity overnight or has nearby CCTV is asked to contact officers on 01534 612612 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 111 555.
The affected areas are being cleaned up by local people and government teams.
