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Man spoken to by police after destruction of Canterbury Pride display

Officers investigating the vandalism of a display depicting a drag queen at Canterbury Pride have spoken to a man in connection with the incident.

The incidents, which happened at the former Debenhams store in Guildhall Street, Canterbury, took place on February 24 and 27.

The display was intended to brighten up the windows of the former Debenhams in Canterbury city centre
The display was intended to brighten up the windows of the former Debenhams in Canterbury city centre

The mural was installed along with a number of images celebrating the city, but the fact the other displays were left untouched led to fears the attack was "targeted".

A police spokesman said: "Officers investigating a report of criminal damage in Canterbury have spoken to a man in connection with the incident.

"On Friday 24 February and again on Monday 27 February 2023, a vinyl window covering on the front of a building in Guildhall Street was reportedly vandalised.

"On Tuesday 4 April, police interviewed a man under caution and whilst no arrests have been made, enquiries remain ongoing."

The mural showed Willam Belli - who previously appeared in RuPaul's Drag Race - performing at Canterbury's Pride festival.

Jonathan Fitter-Harding provided pictures of the vandalised window in the former Debenhams in Canterbury city centre
Jonathan Fitter-Harding provided pictures of the vandalised window in the former Debenhams in Canterbury city centre

Jonathan Fitter-Harding, the director of the event, said the vandal paid particular attention to the performer's face and the text celebrating the city's annual LGBTQ+ event.

He believed it would cost £500 to repair.

The window display was only restored in December after previously being vandalised three months earlier.

Speaking at the time of the incident, the leader of Canterbury City Council, Ben Fitter-Harding, vowed not to let the actions of a minority impact Canterbury's Pride plans.

He said: "This incident really saddens me. Pride Canterbury is such a fantastic event for the city, bringing joy for both residents and visitors and promoting what an inclusive place Canterbury is and the great sense of community we have.

"We will not let the actions of a small number of people take that away from us. Pride is here to stay and deeply unpleasant incidents like this only serve to make us stronger."

Due to its growing popularity, Canterbury Pride will be held over two days this summer, on June 10 and 11.

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