‘These people aren’t welcome here’
Carl Eve Crime Reporter and Maxine Denton Senior Reporter
20:08, 21 Sep 2025
Swastikas painted on Romney Avenue(Image: Submitted)
A community in Bristol has come together to remove swastikas which were painted on a crossing, in what has been described as “absolutely abhorrent” behaviour. A resident in the Lockleaze area of the city spotted the swastikas painted on bollards on Romney Avenue on Sunday morning (September 21).
The resident, who did not want to be named, told BristolLive he reported the graffiti to the local council and said police were on the site within the hour. He added that the response from the community has been “excellent” with many people offering supplies to help remove the graffiti.
“The response from the community has been excellent,” he said. “I reported the graffiti to the council and the police were on site within the hour. Locals all really willing to help, people offering supplies, someone with a cleaning business has offered to remove it.
“Quite a few people in my DMs (direct messages) who have been doing anti-racism things in the area were saying it was good that we highlighted it. Nice to see the community come together against some absolutely appalling behaviour.”
The resident said he covered the graffiti while waiting for the council to remove it as he did not want school children in the area to see it on Monday. He described the behaviour of those who painted them as being “absolutely abhorrent”.
He said: “I’ve since covered it up whilst we wait for the council to remove it. It’s outside a primary and secondary school and I just couldn’t have the pupils facing that on a Monday morning (or any morning for that matter).
“Whilst Lockleaze doesn’t have a great rep sometimes, this is certainly not something I’ve seen before. These people aren’t welcome here. It’s absolutely abhorrent.”