BBC offices vandalised by Palestine protesters

> Windows were smashed and walls sprayed with red paint in the early hours

- OWEN YOUNGER

PALESTINE Action has claimed responsibility for vandalising the BBC Newcastle offices in the early hours of Tuesday morning, after protesting group members smashed windows and spray-painted 'liars' and 'Free Gaza.

The criminal damage caused to Broadcasting House on Barrack Road is now the subject of a Northumbria Police investigation.

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said yesterday: "Shortly before 2.50am today (Tuesday), we received a report of criminal damage at a premises on Barrack Road in Newcastle.

"It was reported that red paint had been sprayed on the outside of the building earlier that morning, and damage had been caused to the front entrance doors."

The BBC has declined to comment on the latest development, and earlier a spokesperson gave a statement saying: "We take the safety and security of our staff extremely seriously.