Indian officials have called for “immediate action” against unidentified people who vandalised a statue of iconic independence leader Mahatma Gandhi in London.

“This is not just vandalism, but a violent attack on the idea of non-violence,” the Indian High Commission in the UK posted on X, describing the act as “shameful”.

Police are treating the vandalism as “racially aggravated” but have made no arrests.

Officers were called to the scene on Sunday evening after being alerted and launched an investigation into reports of criminal damage.

“Enquiries are ongoing. No arrests have been made at this time,” the Metropolitan Police Force said.

The Indian High Commission said that officials were also on site, “co-ordinating with authorities to restore the statue to its original dignity”.

The vandalism comes in the lead-up to the 156th anniversary of Gandhi’s birth on Thursday, October 2, which is International Day of Non-Violence.