Police are investigating after two Bristol shops were vandalised by a ‘mindless’ vegan activist.

Sandy Park Butchers and Tarr’s Ice-cream shop in Brislington had their windows smashed during a spree of criminal damage which happened on Wednesday night (June 22).

The windows of the businesses were smashed with ‘go vegan’ and ‘ALF’ sprayed on the shop fronts.

The shop fronts were also graffitied with the message ‘go vegan’ as well as a symbol for the ALF (Animal Liberation Front), an organisation that focuses on fighting for animals rights.

A staff member from Sandy Park Butchers, who did not want to be named, told BristolWorld it was not the first time the business had been targeted in this way.

They added: “There’s no viewing from the road at the moment, and financially this is obviously going to be a problem.

The damage happened on the night of June 22 and has been slammed as ‘mindless’.

“But we have to cope and get on with it, don’t we?

“People are allowed their own views, but this is just mindless to me.”

Tarr’s Ice Cream thanked residents for ‘overwhelming support’ after the shop front was damaged, adding: “Thank you to everyone who has reached out to us via social media or in person.”

Avon and Somerset Police arrived at the scene at around 12.15am.

The force is now looking for a male suspect who is described as white and wearing a grey hooded jacket and rucksack.

He was seen riding a mountain bike and left the area in the direction of Upper Sandhurst Road and Wick Road.

The spokesperson added: “CCTV enquiries have been carried out and extra reassurance patrols are planned in the area.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 and give reference number 5222148377.

You can also call Crimestoppers, free and anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Bristol butchers and ice-cream shop vandalised by ‘mindless’ vegan activist