Mystery Saddam Hussein memorial plaque found on London bench

A memorial plaque to former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein has appeared on a park bench over the weekend in East London, with locals puzzling over who was behind the posthumous dedication.

The bronze tribute to the Middle East strongman, which was left on a bench in Wanstead High Street, read: "In Loving Memory of Saddam Hussein 1937-2006" - but it is unclear who left it there.

Hussein was born in April 1937 and hanged in 2006 for crimes against humanity by the Iraqi government.

His nearly three-decade rule over Iraq from 1979-2003 was characterised by brutal violence, purges and ruinous wars against Iran and Kuwait.

Resident Victoria Richards told the BBC that local community members were outraged at the plaque.

"People have been very angry and upset, especially the Iraqi community. People have been saying it's a sick joke."

A Redbridge Council spokesperson said they did not grant permission for the plaque to be installed, and it has now been removed.

The plaque has divided social media users, with some dismissing it as a prank, while others were outraged.