Fears of antisemitic vandal attack on Licoricia statue in Winchester

There are fears that a recently unveiled statue of Britain’s most prominent medieval Jewish woman has been damaged by antisemitic vandals.

The life-size bronze statue of 13th-century businesswoman Licoricia and her son, Asher, which was installed at Winchester Discovery Centre in February, seems to have been disfigured around the boy’s face. The figure’s eye, nose and mouth appear to have been peeled.

Local Jewish resident David del Monte said: “I fear that this could be an act of antisemitic vandalism.

“I think the council may need to look at improved CCTV for the statue. While most of Winchester has welcomed the artwork, there are some who have not.”