A woman who removed Israeli hostage ribbons from a London memorial on the second anniversary of the October 7 attacks has been questioned by the Metropolitan Police.
The ribbons, which represent solidarity with Israeli hostages held by Hamas, had been displayed on railings in Muswell Hill, Haringey.
The 36-year-old woman attended a police station voluntarily on Tuesday for questioning under caution.
Officers are investigating the incident as both racially-motivated criminal damage and a racially-motivated public order offence under Section 5.
The memorial commemorated the attacks two years ago that resulted in 1,200 Israeli deaths.
Police became aware of the incident after footage showing a woman taking down the ribbons circulated online on Monday afternoon at approximately 4:25pm.
Officers have increased their presence in the Muswell Hill neighbourhood, conducting reassurance patrols following the incident.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed they are treating the matter as both racially-aggravated criminal damage and a racially-aggravated Section 5 public order offence.
The ribbons had been placed on fence posts throughout the area as a symbol of remembrance for those still held captive.
Local residents had organised the memorial display in advance of the anniversary to honour victims and call for the release of remaining hostages.
The investigation continues after the woman’s voluntary interview at the police station. Scotland Yard has not announced any charges at this time.
Ben Paul, a local resident who erected the ribbons, described their removal as “morally repugnant”, stating: “I don’t care what your politics are: this is a simple tale of morality.”
Miranda Levy, who witnessed the memorial being dismantled, told the Daily Mail: “On the rare occasion the ribbons do get put up, they last for minutes before they are unceremoniously ripped down by people who can’t bear to think there are humans on both sides of the conflict.”
Currently, 48 hostages are thought to remain in Gaza, with 20 believed to still be alive.
Palestinian health authorities report that over 60,000 people have died since Israel began its military operations against Hamas two years ago.