BBC’s Newcastle base was targeted in a pre-dawn attack involving smashed windows and politically charged graffiti, reflecting escalating tensions and repeated protests accusing the broadcaster of biased coverage in the Israel-Palestine conflict.
The BBC’s Newcastle headquarters was the latest target of vandalism, as windows were smashed and messages in red paint—reading “Free Gaza” and “LIARS”—were sprayed on the building during the early hours of Tuesday. Northumbria Police responded to reports of this criminal damage shortly before 2.50 am and are currently seeking information from the public regarding the incident. They have encouraged anyone with leads to contact them directly through social media or their website.
A spokesperson from the BBC reiterated the organisation’s commitment to the safety of its staff, emphasising their local news teams’ dedication to impartial and accurate reporting. “We are working closely with the police who are investigating,” the spokesperson stated, highlighting the BBC’s resolve amidst a climate of heightened tensions surrounding media coverage of the Israel-Palestine conflict. By lunchtime on Tuesday, workmen had cleared the graffiti and completed repairs on the damaged property, which is affectionately known as the Pink Palace due to its distinctive exterior. This building serves as the base for the Look North (North East and Cumbria) TV news team and BBC Radio Newcastle.
This act of vandalism occurs against a backdrop of ongoing protests against perceived biases in media reporting regarding the Israel-Palestine situation. In February 2025, the BBC’s London headquarters was similarly targeted by the UK group Palestine Action, which claimed responsibility for spraying red paint that they likened to blood in an effort to protest the BBC’s alleged pro-Israel bias. Activists accused the broadcaster of perpetuating narratives that facilitate violence and oppression towards Palestinians. A police investigation was subsequently launched in that incident, and it was not the first time Palestine Action had taken such action—demonstrations had already been held against the BBC’s editorial choices, particularly following their coverage of the ongoing Gaza conflict.
Such protests are part of a broader trend, reflecting deep divisions in public sentiment regarding coverage of the ongoing conflict. In a similar vein, two individuals were arrested in November 2023 for racially aggravated criminal damage after messages related to the conflict were painted on a London property, leading law enforcement to classify the vandalism as a hate crime.
There has also been a notable series of demonstrations spanning across British cities, with several BBC buildings experiencing various forms of vandalism related to the ongoing Israel-Palestine tensions. In October 2023, for instance, graffiti with Palestinian flag colours was sprayed on the BBC Northern Ireland building in Belfast, underscoring the issue’s escalating nature. Each incident illustrates a growing frustration among sections of the public towards media narratives surrounding the conflict, which many feel fail to adequately represent the Palestinian perspective.
The BBC’s response has been consistent, focusing on reaffirming their commitment to impartiality and the safety of their staff, even as they navigate increasingly turbulent waters in public opinion and societal tensions.
Reference Map:
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://m.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/uk/windows-smashed-at-bbc-building-and-daubed-with-free-gaza-graffiti/a892969570.html – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-842688 – In February 2025, the BBC’s London headquarters was targeted by the UK-based anti-Israel group Palestine Action. Activists sprayed red paint over the building, designed to resemble blood, and smashed glass doors. The group stated that this act was in response to the BBC’s alleged pro-Israel bias, claiming that the broadcaster’s reporting ‘manufactures consent for the genocide and the ethnic cleansing of their homeland.’ The Metropolitan Police initiated an investigation into the vandalism. This incident followed a similar protest by Palestine Action in October 2023, where the BBC’s headquarters was also vandalised over its coverage of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
- https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-67303231 – In November 2023, two men were arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated criminal damage after messages related to the Israel-Gaza conflict were painted on a building in central London. Red paint was also thrown at the property in Eagle Place, Piccadilly. The Metropolitan Police investigated the incident as a hate crime, with both men taken into custody. The force emphasised its zero tolerance for graffiti with hate connotations in London. This act of vandalism was part of a series of protests against perceived biases in media coverage of the Israel-Gaza conflict.
- https://www.gbnews.com/news/bbc-pro-palestinian-protesters-offices-splashed-red-paint-windows-broken – In February 2025, pro-Palestinian protesters targeted the BBC’s London headquarters by throwing red paint at the building and smashing its windows. The Metropolitan Police responded to reports of criminal damage at the office building in Portland Place. The group, Palestine Action, claimed responsibility, stating that the red paint symbolised the BBC’s role in the bloodshed in Gaza. They accused the broadcaster of whitewashing Israel’s actions in the conflict. The BBC declined to comment, referring the matter to the police, who initiated an investigation into the vandalism.
- https://www.ireland-live.ie/news/uk/1731606/police-called-to-bbc-headquarters-after-red-paint-sprayed-and-doors-smashed.html – In February 2025, the BBC’s London headquarters was vandalised with red paint and broken windows by pro-Palestinian activists. The group, Palestine Action, claimed responsibility, stating that the act was in protest against the BBC’s alleged pro-Israel bias. The Metropolitan Police responded to reports of criminal damage at the building in Portland Place. A clean-up operation was initiated, with footage showing the paint being removed using pressure washers. This incident marked the second time Palestine Action targeted the BBC’s headquarters over its coverage of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
- https://news.sky.com/story/red-paint-sprayed-over-bbcs-london-headquarters-12984339 – In October 2023, a pro-Palestinian group claimed responsibility for covering the entrance of the BBC’s New Broadcasting House in London with red paint. The paint covered the glass doors, wall, and pavement outside the broadcaster’s headquarters. The group, Palestine Action, stated that the act was in response to the BBC’s alleged pro-Israel bias, accusing the broadcaster of being complicit in ‘manufacturing consent for the occupation’s genocide of Palestinians.’ The Metropolitan Police were aware of the criminal damage and initiated an investigation into the incident.
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-67529426 – In October 2023, the front of the BBC Northern Ireland building in Belfast was daubed with paint in the colours of the Palestinian flag. The incident occurred at Broadcasting House on Ormeau Avenue at about 23:25 GMT on Friday. Police reported that two suspects, wearing black clothing with masks and hoods, painted graffiti onto the building before leaving the scene on foot. A BBC spokesperson expressed regret over the damage caused to BBC buildings or property. Several pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli demonstrations had been held in Belfast since the outbreak of violence.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The incident at the BBC’s Newcastle headquarters occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, June 10, 2025. Similar incidents have been reported previously, such as the BBC’s London headquarters being targeted in October 2023 and February 2025. ([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/media/2023/oct/14/bbc-building-red-paint-protest-israel-hamas-coverage?utm_source=openai), [expressandstar.com](https://www.expressandstar.com/uk-news/2025/02/17/police-called-to-bbc-headquarters-after-red-paint-sprayed-and-doors-smashed/?utm_source=openai)) However, this specific event appears to be recent and not recycled from older news.
Quotes check
Score:
9
Notes:
The direct quotes from the BBC spokesperson and Northumbria Police are unique to this report. No identical quotes were found in earlier material, indicating original content.
Source reliability
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative originates from the Belfast Telegraph, a reputable news outlet. However, the article includes references to other sources, such as GB News and Sky News, which may vary in reliability. The inclusion of multiple sources without clear attribution could affect the overall reliability.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The claims of vandalism at the BBC’s Newcastle headquarters are plausible and consistent with previous incidents targeting BBC properties. The report includes specific details, such as the time of the incident and the messages sprayed, which align with known patterns of similar protests. The language and tone are consistent with typical news reporting.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative presents a recent and plausible account of vandalism at the BBC’s Newcastle headquarters, with original quotes and consistent reporting. While the inclusion of multiple sources without clear attribution slightly affects the source reliability, the overall content is credible and timely.
