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A circus visiting the East End was targeted by animal rights activists overnight.

Performers at Zippo’s circus, currently at Mile End’s Wennington Green, woke up this morning to find their Big Top circus tent and one of their circus trucks covered in graffiti.

The words ‘Animal Abusers’ had been sprayed across the tent curtain.

Circus manager Paul Winston predicts the curtain would cost thousands of pounds to replace if they are unable to scrub off the graffiti.

Earlier a group of animal rights protesters had been demonstrating and handing out leaflets near their ticket office ahead of last night’s performance.

Police have not linked the protesters to the criminal damage caused overnight.

The circus has five horses, two ponies and 14 trained budgies and insists it has never used any wild animals.

It’s animal welfare facilities has been approved by Tower Hamlets council,

The circus’ founder and owner Martin Burton said: “Firstly this does not merit criminal damage on this scale. Secondly the circus going public in Mile End, most of whom are families, have voted with their feet.”

The circus which seats 900 people were sold out over the weekend at Mile End.

Tower Hamlets police are currently investigating the incident.