A pub where golliwog dolls were seized by police was vandalised and painted with graffiti over the weekend.

The White Hart Inn in Gray’s has been mired in controversy after police officers seized a collection of the dolls, which are based on 18th century minstrels and now regarded as racist caricatures, from the pub on April 4.

The pub was targeted in the early hours of Sunday morning by vandals who reportedly damaged windows and painted graffiti, Essex Police has said.

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District commander Tony Atkin said: “We’re conducting high visibility patrols in the area to provide community reassurance to our residents today and for the next few days following criminal damage to the White Hart Inn.

“This continuous police presence will allow the public direct access to officers and to share any information that they might have with the investigative team.
Echo: Police on patrol near the White HartPolice on patrol near the White Hart (Image: Essex Police)

“Enquiries are taking place to establish what happened in the lead up to this incident and to identify those responsible, and includes viewing CCTV footage.

“One line of enquiry is that the criminal damage is linked to a previous incident that we are currently investigating, also linked to the White Hart Inn. We continue to investigate that incident and would ask the public to allow us to do so, remaining calm.”

The pub recently had its entry inthe Campaign For Real Ales (Camra) Good Beer Guide deleted and it will not be considered for any further guides.

Pub owner Benice Ryley previously said she has displayed the collection of around 30 dolls, donated by her late aunt and customers, in the pub for nearly 10 years.

She told the PA news agency: “They’re my childhood history, it’s a part of our inheritance. I can’t see any harm.

“I really am angry because what they’ve taken away is valuable.”

Mrs Ryley hit back at allegations of racism, saying the pub frequently hosts Indian weddings, and said she does not understand how people could be offended by the dolls.

She added: “If they don’t like it, they don’t have to come through the door.”

No arrests have been made.