North London, Ont. playground vandalized with hate symbols
Hate symbols spray painted on a north London Ont. playground have sparked a police investigation.
The playground is located in a city park on Thistlewood Drive, next to Mother Teresa Catholic School.
Students at the school were among the first to encounter the images. They include dozens of swastikas and at least one racial slur.
“Oh my God, oh my goodness!” was the first reaction of four students who entered the park. As CTV News arrived, the female students, who are black, noticed the N-word painted inside the playground equipment.
“People still have this type of mentality and people still think this way!” expressed Davina Kazadi.
“I don’t really feel that safe anymore, like what if I run into someone drawing that one day,” said Danielle Kabongo.
As forensic investigators took pictures of the scene for an investigation, London Police Chief Steve Williams issued a statement. In part, it reads, “We are disheartened to learn of this reprehensible incident, particularly given the symbolism behind the hateful images and words depicted and the fact it involved children’s playground equipment.”
CTV News London was first contacted by a concerned passerby Tuesday morning regarding the hate symbols, and CTV news noted an officer later canvassing the neighbourhood.
Meanwhile, back at the playground, Lucy Kim kept shaking her head at what she saw Tuesday morning, later telling CTV News she is a recent immigrant.
“It’s horrible. I had heard no racist people here, but I didn’t know this," Kim said.
A long-time resident in the area added, “It’s very upsetting, why do people do that? I just don’t know.”
The scene leaves student Bernice Kazadi wondering who is responsible. If an adult, she says it would be frightening. If children, she wonders what prompted them to act out.
“If children are doing this, like where did that mentality come from? Parents need to start teaching their kids' good ways,” she concluded.
The hate symbols and words are numerous and spread throughout the structure. City crews were seen on Monday afternoon at the playground starting clean-up work to remove the hate symbols.
“We would like to thank members of the community who brought this to our attention. The London Police Service condemns all acts of hatred and violence toward any individuals or groups in our community. We will continue to thoroughly investigate all incidents of this nature, and apply charges as appropriate,” Williams added.
At this time, police say there are no suspects and officers are appealing to members of the public to come forward and contact them if they have any information that could assist with the investigation.
The incident comes just days after a multicultural mural in Aylmer, Ont. was defaced.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Half of Canadians have negative opinion of latest Liberal budget: poll
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
NEW 'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Canadian couple among tourists on sinking sailing boat tour abroad
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their “extremely dangerous” experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
An Ontario senior called Geek Squad for help with his printer. Instead, he got scammed out of $25,000
An Ontario senior’s attempt to get technical help online led him into a spoofing scam where he lost $25,000. Now, he’s sharing his story to warn others.
Accused of burglary at stepmother's home, U.S. senator says she wanted her father's ashes: charges
A Minnesota state senator and former broadcast meteorologist told police that she broke into her stepmother's home because her stepmother refused to give her items of sentimental value from her late father, including his ashes, according to burglary charges filed Tuesday.
Twins from Toronto were Canada's top two female finishers at this year's Boston Marathon
When identical twin sisters Kim and Michelle Krezonoski were invited to compete against some of the world’s most elite female runners at last week’s Boston Marathon, they were in disbelief.