The blue plaque unveiled yesterday in Leeds to commemorate David Oluwale has been stolen just hours after it was unveiled.
Leeds Civic Trust has condemned the thieves as "abhorrent and cowardly". The plaque was unveiled yesterday, April 25, at 5pm.
It honoured David Oluwale, who died in Leeds in 1969 after being racially harassed. He was 'hounded to death' by the police, and tragically drowned in the River Aire.
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In a tweet this morning, Leeds Civic Trust said: "We are aware of the abhorrent and cowardly theft and removal of David Oluwale's blue plaque overnight, just a few hours after its unveiling. The people responsible bring shame on our city and we will not be deterred from commemorating David's life and legacy."
The Trust is set to release a full statement shortly.
Remember Oluwale tweeted: "It’s appalling, but it demonstrates their weakness. Racist graffiti, theft, & criminal damage are the tools of people with no following, no solutions, motivated only by malice. They are the past. We are the open, welcoming, dialogue & inclusive future!"
The plaque was unveiled by Leeds Civic Trust and the David Oluwale Memorial Association on Leeds Bridge. It was placed near where David entered the water when he died.
A bridge in honour of David was recently also completed and is scheduled to open in the summer.
David was last seen being chased by two police officers before he died on April 18, 1969. He had travelled to the UK from Nigeria, where he was targeted because of his race, mental health and homelessness.
His death led to the first time the British police were prosecuted for their involvement in the death of a Black person.
