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Bank vandalised with red paint and windows smashed

Mariam IssimdarNorfolk
News imageDavid Freezer/BBC A branch of HSBC bank with red paint splashed on the glass and doors. There is a large hole in one of the window panes and lettering "DROP EIBIT" painted on a pane in black paint.David Freezer/BBC
A branch of HSBC in Norwich city centre appears to have been targeted by protesters

A branch of HSBC has been daubed with red paint and windows have been smashed.

The bank, in London Street, Norwich, was already shut for refurbishment and has also been daubed with the lettering "DROP EIBIT".

It would appear to be a reference to Elbit Systems UK, based in Bristol, which sells military equipment.

Norfolk Police said it was called to the city centre at 01:25 GMT and a cordon was put in place.

News imageDavid Freezer/BBC Branch of HSBC bank with red paint splashed on the glass and doors. There is a large hole in one of the window panes, a smash mark on another, and lettering "DROP EIBIT" painted on a pane in black paint.David Freezer/BBC
The branch had been closed for refurbishment and was due to reopen in March

Six people have been on trial accused of breaking into Elbit Systems' factory in Bristol in 2024.

The city centre bank closed for refurbishment work in October and was due to reopen on 2 March.

An HSBC spokesperson said: "We respect the right to protest legally, we cannot condone vandalism or actions that put our customers and colleagues at risk.

"Their safety remains our utmost priority.

"HSBC does not directly invest in the defence sector but may hold shares on behalf of our clients."

News imageDavid Freezer/BBC Branch of HSBC bank with red paint splashed on the glass and doors. A police car is in the foreground. Other cars and people are on the paved street. David Freezer/BBC
Police have put up a cordon in front of the HSBC branch

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