Man charged after Winston Churchill statue painted with ‘Zionist war criminal’ graffiti

A 38-year-old man has been charged with criminal damage following the defacement of the Sir Winston Churchill monument in Parliament Square.

Caspar San Giorgio, who has no fixed address, was detained by police shortly after 04:00 on Friday morning.

The graffiti daubed on the statue included the phrase "Zionist war criminal" and "globalise the intifada",

The incident occurred in Westminster during the early hours of Friday.

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The Metropolitan Police confirmed the arrest took place near the scene of the vandalism.

San Giorgio was subsequently taken into police custody following his apprehension.

Officers formally charged San Giorgio at 03:50 on Saturday morning, according to the Metropolitan Police.

He has been remanded in custody ahead of his court appearance.

The 38-year-old is scheduled to face Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court later this morning.

Police have not released further details about the circumstances surrounding the alleged vandalism.

The Churchill statue, a prominent landmark opposite the Houses of Parliament, has been targeted by protesters on previous occasions.

San Giorgio's case will be heard as the investigation into the incident continues.

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