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Admiral Nelson statue sprayed with graffiti in Norwich Admiral Nelson statue sprayed with graffiti in Norwich
(32 minutes later)
A statue of Admiral Lord Nelson has been defaced with spray paint.A statue of Admiral Lord Nelson has been defaced with spray paint.
Lord Horatio Nelson was born in Norfolk and is seen as a son of the county. His statue stands on The Close, Norwich on grounds belonging to Norwich Cathedral. It is on grounds owned by Norwich Cathedral, which said that "although a national hero, [he] was also like all of us flawed in some ways".
According to Topple the Racists, Nelson was a supporter of slavery, claims which have been refuted by The Nelson Society who said his overriding ethos was "service to his country". According to Topple the Racists, Nelson was a supporter of slavery. This claim has been rejected by the Nelson Society, which said his overriding ethos was "service to his country".
Norfolk Police has confirmed it is investigating the vandalism. Police have said they are investigating the defacement.
Statues of historical figures who endorsed or had connections to slavery have been controversial following global support for the Black Lives Matter protests which started in the US following the killing of George Floyd. A "V" with a circle has been sprayed on the front, a symbol seen as being associated with anarchism, and the face of the statue has been painted black.
The protests follow recent violence in America where statues of confederate figures connected with slavery have been pulled down. Norwich Cathedral said in a statement the damage was done in The Close on Saturday night.
In the UK, supporters in Bristol recently tore down a figure of slave trader Edward Colston before dumping it into the river. The statement also said the dean was committed to a review of "the place of historical figures memorialised in the cathedral and grounds".
Nelson was a British naval commander who became a national hero for his victories against the French during the Napoleonic Wars. Statues of historical figures with connections to slavery have been particularly controversial in the wake of the protests sparked by the killing of George Floyd.
Norwich City Council and representatives for the cathedral have been approached for comment. In Bristol, activists recently tore down a figure of slave trader Edward Colston before dumping it into the river.
Topple the Racists which has called for the Norwich statue to be removed, has also been asked to comment. Norwich City Council and Topple the Racists have both been asked to comment.