Police investigate swastika graffiti outside Newcastle hospital

Police have opened an investigation after vandals daubed a swastika on a sign outside of Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital.

In addition, the words “CV 19”, a reference to the coronavirus pandemic, and “NHS liers [sic]” in blue paint were also spray-painted.

Multiple signs have reportedly been vandalised, prompting a staff member at the hospital to comment that “It’s actually really upsetting and demoralising to be accused of being a Nazi or ‘liers’ after the last eighteen months which have been so physically and mentally taxing.

“The fact that this is the first thing you see when coming into our hospital makes my stomach turn and made me want to turn around and go back home.”

A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said that “Enquiries are ongoing to identify those responsible. Anybody found to have been involved will be dealt with swiftly and robustly.”

Anti-lockdown and anti-vaccination networks have become known as hotbeds of antisemitic conspiracy theories and tropes.

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