New theory emerges about who carried out early-morning vandalism raid
A red paint attack in Walthamstow may have been carried out by two masked women, The Standard has been told, as new details emerge about a mysterious early-morning act of vandalism that has shocked residents and triggered a broader police investigation.
The incident occurred at approximately 4am last Friday, when a maisonette on Lea Bridge Road was targeted in a deliberate and highly visible attack. Red paint was splashed across the front door and surrounding walls, with the word “brothel” scrawled multiple times. This marks the ninth similar incident in Walthamstow in recent months and is part of a growing pattern of red paint attacks reported across the country.
Initial reports had suggested a single hooded male perpetrator was responsible, with a woman caught on nearby CCTV dismissed as a possible passer-by. However, sources familiar with the case have told The Standard that CCTV footage may instead show two women—both wearing face coverings—carrying out the attack in tandem. It is now believed both women are of Chinese heritage and may have had some prior connection to the property.
The Metropolitan Police declined to confirm this new theory when approached on Monday, with a spokeswoman stating that she could not disclose further details due to the ongoing investigation.
CCTV footage viewed by The Standard shows one hooded figure daubing red paint on the maisonette’s entrance, before walking further down the road to target neighbouring businesses. Moments later, a second masked individual appears, believed to be the woman initially dismissed as an unrelated bystander.
Locals reported seeing the perpetrators arrive on foot, apparently transporting the paint using a shopping trolley. Sponges used to smear the paint were later recovered in a nearby front garden, adding to the growing pile of physical evidence being examined.
By Friday afternoon, contractors from Waltham Forest Council had arrived at the scene with high-pressure cleaning equipment in an effort to remove the paint and offensive graffiti. Nearby, stunned residents watched as cleaners scrubbed paint from the adjacent maisonette and a number of local businesses, including a William Hill bookmaker, a coffee shop, and a Turkish barber.
Neighbours say that men of Chinese origin had been observed entering the maisonette in the weeks prior to the attack. On the morning in question, a man believed to be of Chinese heritage emerged from the property and began attempting to clean the red paint from the doorway. A woman was also seen inside the flat later that morning.
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Associates of the man were spotted surveying the damage later that day, and it is understood that the landlord has since asked the tenants to vacate the property.
There is speculation that the attack may be linked to disputes within the local community. Academics and crime analysts have noted that red paint attacks—particularly those featuring the word “brothel”—are common in cities such as Hong Kong and across mainland China, often used by loan sharks and criminal groups as a means of intimidation or debt collection.
The Met confirmed that officers visited the scene following reports of vandalism and said a full investigation is now underway.
A police spokesperson said: “This is the ninth similar incident of vandalism in the area. Officers are exploring whether they are all linked. We understand the concern in the community and are increasing patrols in the area.”
“No arrests have been made at this stage. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact police on 101 quoting CAD 3584/15MAY25.”
