George Floyd mural defaced with racist slur

The George Floyd portrait in Stevenson Square

The George Floyd mural in Manchester has been defaced with racist graffiti.

The portrait in Stevenson Square in the Northern Quarter was created by street artist Akse back in May.

It was painted as a tribute to the American, who was killed after being held down by police officers in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

The portrait has now been boarded up by the council while they look to restore it. 

Cllr Nigel Murphy, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council, said: "We have been made aware that the George Floyd memorial in Stevenson Square has been defaced with racist graffiti.

"It is utterly sickening that this type of behaviour exists in our society.

"We are currently reviewing CCTV footage in the area and we will do everything we can to find out who committed this abhorrent crime.

"Manchester is a place that celebrates our diversity and we will not tolerate hate in our city. 

"In the short-term we have chosen to cover the mural because it's intolerable to see such language on our streets.

"It is possible to clean the graffiti from the wall, but this will most likely also remove part of the mural.

"Our preference is to work with the artist to paint over the offending graffiti and restore the mural of George Floyd as soon as possible."

2.30PM LATEST: The George Floyd mural has now been restored by artist Akse P19.

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting 610 of 22/07/20 or the independent charity - Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. 

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