Houses in London's affluent Hampstead neighbourhood covered with red paint in suspected foreign gang attack

Fintan Starkey
Sun, 19 Apr 2026 13:39:37 +0000

Metropolitan Police detectives are examining whether an overnight paint attack that struck seven homes in London's affluent West Hampstead area could be linked to territorial disputes between Chinese Triad criminal organisations.

The incident occurred during the night of April 14, when properties along Lowfield Road were doused in thick red and black paint.

One basement flat was specifically marked with the word "brothel" painted in red across its front wall.

Investigators believe the lower-ground-floor property was the primary target, though neighbouring homes sustained significant collateral damage.

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The attack follows a pattern of near-identical incidents that have occurred across Britain, which specialists attribute to feuding organised crime networks with connections to the Chinese community.

Dozens of such attacks have taken place throughout the UK over the past two years, with incidents reported in Liverpool, Essex, West Yorkshire and the capital.

One theory suggests that certain targeted properties serve as bases for criminal enterprises run by Chinese gangsters, potentially housing sex workers or facilities for drug production.

Rival groups allegedly use the paint attacks to expose these operations to local residents and force competitors from their territory.

However, numerous affected property owners have no involvement in illegal activity whatsoever and are left bewildered by the vandalism.

Oliver Chan, an associate professor in criminology at the University of Birmingham, explained last year that red paint carries particular significance for Triad gangs operating in southern China and Hong Kong.

He told The Times: "Traditionally the use of red colour symbolises anger and impulsion.

"It can serve two primary purposes to intimidate rival gangs who seem to operate in their territory or turf and to threaten debtors who are unable to pay up."

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A resident of Lowfield Road, speaking anonymously, described unusual goings-on at the basement flat in recent weeks.

The property had previously operated as an Airbnb with regular tourist visitors, but circumstances changed when an older Asian couple moved in approximately a fortnight ago.

He said: "It was quite strange because the first thing they did was put black bin bags over the windows.

"It wasn't really clear what was going on inside but it all felt a little bit dodgy."

The resident noted that a ladder had been positioned against the rear garden fence days before the attack.

When neighbours attempted to contact the occupants following the vandalism, nobody answered the door.

He said: "Some of the neighbours saw two people climbing over the ladder in the back garden so it now looks like it was being used as some sort of escape route."

The cleanup operation is anticipated to cost thousands of pounds, with much of the paint applied in thick layers that will prove difficult to remove.

Many of the affected flats are council-owned, leaving the local authority to bear the expense and effort of restoration.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "Police in Camden are investigating an allegation of criminal damage after paint was thrown at neighbouring residential properties in Lowfield Road."

The spokesman confirmed the attack is believed to have occurred on the night of April 14, with local officers conducting ongoing enquiries.

He added: "At this early stage we retain an open mind regarding any motive. We recognise the impact that incidents of this nature have on those affected and will be contacting the victims in due course."