Get the Edinburgh stories that matter to you sent straight to your inbox with our daily newsletter Sign me up Thank you for subscribing See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Politically-charged graffiti has emerged in Edinburgh, some of which features threatening messages to politicians and public figures.

In a series of photos shared by a local on Twitter, the graffiti can be seen scrawled on a number of buildings and walls in the likes of The Meadows and Middle Meadow Walk.

Some of the graffiti targets Prime Minister Boris Johnson and British billionaire Richard Branson, with disturbing messages calling for them to "hang".

Meanwhile, more graffiti sprayed onto walls elsewhere read "rent is theft", "no rent, no landlords" and "make the rich pay for COVID-19".

All of the graffiti features the hammer and sickle - a symbol that is synonymous with communism, appearing on flags of communist parties around the world.

Some of the graffiti also urged "join YCL", suggesting that the vandals belonged to the Young Communist League (YCL) - the youth wing of the Communist Party of Britain.

The YCL, who "fight for social, economic and political rights of young workers and students to build the struggle for socialism in Britain", could not confirm whether it was a member that carried out the graffiti but said it reflects feelings of anger over the UK Government's response to the outbreak.

A spokesperson said: "Political graffiti is a globally recognised democratic tradition and an important part of youth culture in Britain.

"Although we cannot comment on its origin, the graffiti which has appeared in Edinburgh and other cities across Britain clearly reflects the widely felt anger at the criminal response of this Tory government to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Rather than prioritising the protection of working people at an early stage, they delayed preventative measures to protect profits for big corporations, above all the financial sector in the City of London.

"This is the same party which has spent the last decade gutting public services such as the NHS, education and social care, leaving them dangerously under prepared for this crisis and millions of people vulnerable.

"Boris Johnson and the Government’s regard for human life was clearly demonstrated by their willingness to allow tens of thousands to die to achieve a 'herd immunity'."

The YCL added that they are mobilising to support people in this time of crisis, calling for a a government-enforced freeze on debt payments and rent and more support for vulnerable young people during the pandemic - among dozens of other measures.

It is understood officers in Edinburgh are not currently investigating the vandalism but urge people to get in touch if they have concerns.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "We encourage anyone with concerns about criminality to report it to Police Scotland on 101, so our officers can investigate and respond appropriately."





For all of the latest updates on coronavirus in Edinburgh, visit our breaking news live blog here.

Another way to stay updated is by joining our new Edinburgh coronavirus news Facebook group.

For the latest guidance on coronavirus from Health Protection Scotland, click here.