The Metropolitan Police have launched a hate crime investigation after swastikas were discovered spray-painted across a children’s playground in Clissold Park, Hackney.

The offensive graffiti was reported on Sunday, April 21 — coinciding with the final day of the Jewish holiday of Passover — and sparked outrage among local residents and community leaders.

Images shared on social media show the Nazi symbols daubed across play equipment in the popular family park in Stoke Newington. The incident has been widely condemned as “abhorrent” and has prompted swift action from both police and Hackney Council.

A Met Police spokesperson said: “This incident has been recorded as a hate crime due to swastika symbols being painted on the park equipment. Enquiries remain ongoing.”

The force has confirmed they are treating the vandalism as criminal damage motivated by hate, and have urged anyone with information to come forward.

Hackney Council was quick to respond, with cleaning teams attending the site late on Sunday and again early Monday morning to remove all traces of the graffiti.

Mayor of Hackney, Caroline Woodley, addressed concerned residents on X (formerly Twitter), saying: “I won’t share the abhorrent graffiti that defaced this play area, but wanted to let concerned residents know that Hackney Council teams were out last night and again this morning to remove it. Everyone should feel safe to play in Hackney.”

Councillor Susan Fajana-Thomas, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Regulatory Services, also condemned the act: “Hackney Council strongly condemns the hateful graffiti that appeared in a local play area this week. This behaviour is completely unacceptable and has no place in our borough.”

She added: “We are committed to ensuring that everyone in Hackney feels safe in our public spaces, especially places designed for children and families. We’re also working closely with partners, including the police, to investigate this matter and take any further necessary action.”

Residents are encouraged to report any incidents of hate crime or vandalism by calling the police on 101 or reporting through the Hackney Council website: hackney.gov.uk/crime-and-safety.

Anyone with dashcam footage, CCTV, or eyewitness accounts related to the incident is asked to come forward to assist with the ongoing investigation.