West Yorkshire Police are investigating Leeds' blue plaque honouring David Oluwale being thrown into the River Aire by a "sick" vandal.
On Thursday (July 7) a resident reported seeing an individual tear down the temporary plaque around 4pm, after it had been vandalised twice before. The plaque was first put in place at 5pm on April 28; Leeds Civic Trust unveiled the honour at Leeds Bridge.
It honours David Oluwale, who moved to Leeds from Nigeria in 1949 in the hopes of pursuing a better life. But he was sadly hounded to his death near Leeds Bridge by two police officers who targeted him for his race, mental health and homelessness.
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A few hours after the plaque was first revealed, residents were horrified after finding it had been ripped down. Police dubbed it a hate crime and a temporary replacement was put in place.
But on April 27, in another cruel twist, the temporary plaque was pulled down by vandals. Leeds Civic Trust told Leeds Live they would "keep replacing the plaque no matter how many times it is pulled down" back in April.
Three months later, vandals have ripped down the plaque again. Residents branded the act "disgusting" and "blatant racism". Another added "not again".
West Yorkshire Police are aware of the incident and have issued an update on their investigation. They have branded the act as a hate crime.
A spokesperson said: "We have been made aware that a laminated image of the David Oluwale plaque, which was put in place on Leeds Bridge at the site of the original plaque, has been removed yesterday.
"We are treating this as a hate crime, given the circumstances, and are liaising with Leeds Civic Trust and carrying out enquiries to identify the person responsible."
Anyone with information is asked to contact Leeds City NPT via 101 quoting crime reference 13220369889, or online via the live chat facility. Information can also be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
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