Police have been contacted after a charity shop’s Pride display was vandalised twice, including with a homophobic message.
Staff at the British Heart Foundation shop in Enfield are “shocked and saddened” by the double attack, but have praised the community for its support.
Volunteers, who had put up a Pride flag and the word ‘Pride’ in rainbow colours, arrived at the shop on Monday to find spray paint covering up the display.
The paint was cleaned and the police were informed, but staff this morning found more paint, including the offensive message.
Richard Roe, BHF regional director, said: “We are shocked and saddened that our BHF shop in Enfield was targeted by vandalism.
“Incidents like this are not only upsetting for our dedicated colleagues, volunteers and customers, but they can also impact our ability to help fund lifesaving research into heart and circulatory diseases.
“We have reported this incident to the police and are now in the process of repairing the damage caused. The shop remains open for business and we would like to thank those in the community that have shown their support since this incident.”
He added: “As an inclusive organisation where we encourage everyone to bring their true self to work, the BHF is proud to support Pride, including in our shop window displays.
“Around 7.6 million people in the UK are living with heart and circulatory diseases, and these conditions do not discriminate. It is important that the BHF is there to support everyone affected.”