'Disgusting' race attack on Stephen

The memorial centre built in honour of murdered black teenager Stephen Lawrence was vandalised today in a racist attack.

It was the fourth such attack in less than a year at the centre in Deptford, which helps young Londoners from deprived areas. More than £100,000 damage was caused when thugs smashed eight glass panels.

Mayor Ken Livingstone said: "I am disgusted by this racist attack which comes only one week after it officially opened. It also comes on the anniversary of the inquest that confirmed Stephen's death to be an unprovoked racist murder, and will be even more distressing for his mother Doreen, who fought to establish this cultural landmark for the whole community."

Stephen, 18, was stabbed to death in Eltham in 1993. The killing and the mishandled police inquiry that followed led to major reforms in police practice. His killers have never been brought to justice. The damage to the Stephen Lawrence Centre was spotted by security guards at about 4.45am today.

The incident is being investigated by a hate crime unit. Officers are studying CCTV footage.

The building's facade was designed by leading black British artist Chris Ofili.

Karin Woodley, chief executive of the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust, said: "The police flagged it as a racist incident because the glazings are reinforced and it would have been quite a sustained attack. Also, it's the fourth attack on the building. The last one was in September. We are looking at how we can make it safe. We will have to get some panels covered up."

The centre, funded by the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust, was opened officially last week by Mr Livingstone and Mrs Lawrence. Stephen's father Neville now lives in Jamaica.

Ms Woodley said she had spoken to Mrs Lawrence about the incident. "I think the family are really saddened. I know that Doreen is just very sad," she said.

Ms Woodley said the attacks would not stop the centre from doing its work - and it would be prepared to help rehabilitate the racists if they were proved to be the culprits.

"We work with young people who need our support and we don't choose them on the basis of their race. We are working with girls, boys and demonstrably with all races," she said.

"It seems to make us more determined. We know the majority of people are very proud [of the centre]."

While the centre was set up to boost applications from young black people to white-dominated careers such as architecture, Ms Woodley said it was also helping growing numbers of white working class boys.

This is not the first time a memorial-to Stephen has been targeted by racists. A granite plaque near the Eltham bus stop where he was killed has been regularly targeted.

MP for Lewisham Deptford, Joan Ruddock, said: "This is heartbreaking news.

"I am sure the vast majority of people will be absolutely appalled, Stephen Lawrence and his family represent all that is best in our society.

"The people who have done this cowardly act deserve utter contempt."

Prince Charles, Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Lib-Dem leader Nick Clegg were among those who sent messages of support to the centre.