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Slave’s grave vandalised in UK city in apparent retaliation

Published:Thursday | June 18, 2020 | 11:53 AM
The damaged headstone and footstone on the grave of an enslaved African man, in St Mary's churchyard, in Bristol, England, Thursday, June 18, 2020, which have been vandalised in an apparent "retaliation attack" following the toppling of a statue of slave trader Edward Colston during anti-racist protests held in the wake of the killing of George Floyd in the US. (Ben Birchall/PA via AP)

LONDON (AP) — British officials said Thursday the grave of an enslaved African man has been vandalised in an apparent “retaliation attack” after protesters in the city of Bristol toppled the statue of a prominent slave trader.

Two headstones in memory of Scipio Africanus, who lived in Bristol in the 18th century, were smashed.

A message scrawled in chalk nearby called for the statue of Edward Colston to be put back or “things will really heat up.”

The brightly painted memorial, in a churchyard in Henbury, Bristol, is listed as a structure of historical interest to be preserved.

“This looks like a retaliation attack for the recent events involving the Colston statue,” local official Mark Weston said.

Police said they have received a report of criminal damage to a monument at Henbury Parish Church.

It said it believed the incident took place on Tuesday or Wednesday and appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

Marvin Rees, mayor of Bristol, described the memorial as an “iconic piece of Bristol’s history”.

Bristol Diocese said it was “shocked and saddened” to hear about the damage.

“We’re in touch with the council and the police about the incident and praying for peace and reconciliation,” it said in a statement.

Historic England said the tomb provided valuable evidence for research into the “clouded early history of black people in England.” 

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