Redbridge Council Response to: Vision's event on Saturday 10 July 2021 held at Redbridge Libraries

A spokesperson from Redbridge Council said:

“We are utterly appalled by the unacceptable event at Redbridge Libraries on Saturday organised by our independent leisure contractor, Vision. 

"The contractor had commissioned characters to support the start of the Summer Reading Challenge, but the costume in question was wholly inappropriate for the intended audience.

"Council Leader, Cllr Jas Athwal, took immediate action as soon as he became aware of what had happened, instructing Vision to end the event.

"A full and thorough investigation into how this incident happened has been launched and stringent action will be taken.

"We sincerely apologise for the offence and distress this has caused.”