CCTV appeal after criminal damage in Hitchin

Police are releasing a CCTV image of a person they want to identify following an incident of criminal damage to the Liberal Democrats office on Bridge Street.

At around 8pm on Monday, October 30, white paint was thrown over a building in Bridge Street - with police releasing the image below of a man they want to talk to, in connection with the damage.

The office acts as the campaign HQ for the Lib Dems Prospective Parliamentary Candidate, Chris Lucas - who, as Nub News recently reported, was selected to fight the new Hitchin seat against present incumbent Bim Afolami MP.

Mr Lucas tweeted after the incident: "Someone thought it a good idea to attack our new campaign office in Bridge Street, Hitchin.

"Unsure whether this was politically or racially motivated; either way this has made me even MORE determined to fight for a better Hitchin."

Nub News asked Herts Police for comment on Mr Lucas' tweet. This is what they told us: "Officers are working to establish the full circumstances of the incident, including whether it was motivated by hate. If so, the crime will be dealt with as a hate crime."

Do you recognise this man below?

After the incident, Hitchin Liberal Democrats tweeted: "This white pain job [isn't] stopping Prospective Parliamentary Candidate Chris Lucas from representing the people of Hitchin."

Police also told us enquiries are ongoing and any witnesses or anyone with information should call the non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference 41/87126/23. 

PCSO Cynthia Combe said: "We are releasing this CCTV image because we believe the individual pictured may have been in the area at the time and could assist with our investigation.

"Is this you, or do you recognise the person pictured? Please email me at [email protected] with any information."