Vandals smear paint on pub at centre of golly doll racism row as police investigate
Mr Ryley, who co-owns the pub, said "a mountain has been made out of a molehill" as police hunt the vandals who attacked the pub.
An Essex pub has been smeared with paint and had five windows damaged by vandals after police seized several golly dolls. The dolls were seized on April 4 as part of an investigation into an allegation of hate crime, after a member of the public reported being racially distressed on February 24. Benice Ryder, who co-owns The White Heart Inn, in Grays, Essex said the pub displayed around 30 dolls for nearly a decade.
The pub was hit by vandals at roughly 00:40 on Sunday, prompting Essex Police to conduct extra patrols in the area in a bid to find out who was responsible.
Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) banned the pub from being considered for any awards and said it would not be included in its Good Beer Guide while the dolls continue to be on display.
Chris Ryley, the pub's licensee, told the BBC: "A mountain has been made out of a molehill" and the dolls were "part of our history."
Mrs Ryley said the dolls were donated by her late aunt and customers and that she could not see "any harm" in them.
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She also hit back at allegations of racism and said the pub frequently hosts Indian weddings.
She added that she does not understand how people could be offended by the dolls, and if they don't like it, they don't have to come through the door.
One line of inquiry is that the criminal damage at The White Hart is linked to a previous incident that police are investigating.
Home Secretary Suella Braverman reportedly contacted the force about the investigation although Essex Police have said this was untrue but did not rule out having been contacted by the Home Office, reported the BBC.
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Thurrock BME, which represents the black and minority ethnic community, supported the police in seizing the dolls.
A spokesperson of the organisation said: "Racism must not be tolerated, and those responsible for it must be held accountable for their actions.
"Thurrock BME Group applauds Essex Police for ensuring that it is not perpetrated in any way, shape or form."