An extremist animal rights group has uploaded pictures to Facebook, following an attack on a butcher's shop in Nottingham.
The group, who call themselves 'Liberate or Die', uploaded a disturbing photograph to the social media site on 13th May 2020.
The image shows the shopfront of 'Meat 4 U' based in Beeston, Notts, spray painted with hideous language including threatening slurs such as 'Kill Butchers'.
Since posting the picture to Facebook with a link to their website, detailing more information about the crime, the group have deleted the corresponding webpage.
Among the thousands of online comments on the photo from Facebook users expressing disgust at the action, hundreds have clearly been hidden by the account's administrator. In a fashion typically associated with the social media of animal rights extremists, the group have attempted to mask the obvious public outrage at their sickening display of pride.
The group, thought by some to be a splinter group of the Animal Liberation Front, describe themselves as an 'Anarcho-vegan collective bringing you the sweetest news about direct action'.
In coverage by the Mail Online, it has been revealed that the attack was carried out by what the owner believes to be one male and two female suspects. Three people have been captured by the shop's CCTV.
Nottinghamshire Police says it is investigating the criminal damage and appealing for witnesses.
The damage has racked up a £2000 bill for the butcher and it meant he had to close the business for 24 hours.
Speaking to the Mail Online, owner Matt Whittle said: "Vegan rights activists have claimed responsibility. They've put it all over their website. It was a surprise to us because we've never had trouble with them before. But I guess we're just an open target in the main square."
The butchers have now re-opened and the article reports Mr. Whittle will not be deterred by the violent act.
In a statement, a spokeswoman for Nottinghamshire Police said: "We're investigating an incident of criminal damage at a shop in Beeston. We received a call just before 6am [on Wednesday] that Meat 4 U in High Road had been vandalised. It's believed to have happened overnight. Windows have been smashed, blinds slashed and spray paint has been used on the shop front. Officers have begun enquiries and are appealing to anyone with any information that could help to contact us on 101 quoting incident 78 of 13 May, you can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."
A spokesman for the Countryside Alliance said: " Yet again animal extremists exhibit their warped and violent behaviour. Clearly the group are attempting to cover their tracks online, but luckily in this instance, their vile actions have been caught on camera. We sincerely hope the culprits are found and brought to justice swiftly."
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