Anti-English Graffiti Sprayed in Bournemouth, Spain References 'Dead Englishmen'

Anti-English graffiti, including phrases that translate to "Dead Englishmen" and "English better off dead," has been spray-painted across public areas in the seaside town of Bournemouth, England. The messages, written in Spanish, appeared on a wooden fence at Woodland Walk and on a clifftop path at Portman Ravine in the suburb of Boscombe.

This is not the first instance of such graffiti in the area. Approximately three months prior, a similar message with the phrase "s**t Englishmen better off dead" was found on a wall and subsequently removed by the local council. The identity of the individuals responsible for the latest graffiti remains unknown.

Bournemouth is a popular destination for Spanish students, with over 40 language schools operating in the town. The town also hosts three migrant hotels, one of which, The Roundhouse, is scheduled to cease housing asylum seekers next month. The Roundhouse has previously been the site of anti-immigration protests and counter-demonstrations.

Local residents have expressed dismay and concern over the graffiti. One resident, Luke Jones, described the vandalism as "Absolutely disgusting." Another, Linda Harrison, noted that the messages were not just graffiti but "threatening language." Local councilor George Farquhar stated that such hate messages are "not acceptable in society today" and urged the public to report offensive graffiti for prompt removal.

Bournemouth has experienced other incidents of offensive graffiti in the past, including anti-Semitic messages and swastikas. The town also saw anti-immigration protests in the summer of 2025. BCP Council encourages residents to report instances of graffiti to the council or to Dorset Police if the messages are deemed offensive.