An angry mob of anti-gentrification activists did the damage.
You may remember a few months ago when we brought you the news that Belfast born cafe owner Gary Keery, the proprietor of the Cereal Killer cafe in London, wrote an open letter to Channel 4 regarding the high prices that customer had to pay for a bowl of cereal in his establishment.
His business has been attacked yet again although this time, the damage is a lot more serious. Cereal Killer, owned by Alan and Gary Keery, was targeted last night by an angry anti-gentrification mob that threw paint and even burned parts of the property.
Unhappy with the state of the country? Why not attack a small business #smart pic.twitter.com/gt3oL8Z4Vm
— Cereal Killer (@CerealKillerUK) September 27, 2015
The Ceral Killer cafe was targeted because some see it as a symbol of the inequality that exists in east London. Protesters managed to kick down the door, throw smoke/paint bombs and vandalize the shop.
The Guardian are reporting that one officer has suffered minor facial injuries and speaking about the attack, Alan Keery has said “there were children there – they were terrified. The staff were absolutely terrified. It was an angry mob throwing paint at the windows. They had torches and pigs’ heads”.
Here’s a look at the size of the crowd that caused the damage.
Cereal Killer cafe damaged in Shoreditch anti-gentrification protesthttp://t.co/rou1NML28E pic.twitter.com/llNTKhozVg
— ITV London (@itvlondon) September 27, 2015
Whatever happened in Shoreditch tonight is making my life exceedingly difficult pic.twitter.com/g2jXaEVpJu
— Jamie Osman (@jamieosman) September 26, 2015
— Cereal Killer (@CerealKillerUK) September 26, 2015
Speaking about the protesters perceived motivations he says ““if you want to talk about gentrification and different classes, you don’t go about attacking independent businesses who are putting their whole life on the line to open a business – you go to the conglomerates and big companies”.
Thankfully no staff members were hurt during the incident and as a sign that they won’t be bullied, the Cereal Killer cafe is open for business today.
Open as normal today guys, come down to see our new shopfront #makeover
— Cereal Killer (@CerealKillerUK) September 27, 2015
Staff and customers unharmed, although children were in the cafe, mob still around so stay away from shoreditch.
— Cereal Killer (@CerealKillerUK) September 26, 2015
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