Police investigating after swastikas daubed on Bridgnorth walkway

The latest incident saw swastikas painted on a footpath in the town.

West Mercia Police said: "The graffiti first appeared in the town on Thursday (January 9) on Innage Lane, where white spray paint was used to draw an offensive symbol on the footpath leading toward Bridgnorth town centre.

"The second bit of graffiti appeared on Friday, (January 10) on St Leonard's Close, where white paint was used to write a racist message on a stone wall.

"Further reports have been received of graffiti appearing in alleyways, footpaths and underbridges in the town. It is not known exactly when these first appeared."

Sergeant Steve Mason, from South Shropshire’s Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “We are very keen to find those responsible for the graffiti that has appeared in the town, which has caused stress to people in the town.

“Officers will now be carrying out high visibility patrols in these areas, and I would encourage anyone who has any concerns about this to speak to us.

“We would also like to speak to anyone who may have information that could help us with our investigation so we can find those responsible.”

Shropshire Council said it had reported several incidents in the past few months.

A spokesperson said: “In the past few months there have been several incidences of racially-motivated offensive graffiti appearing throughout Bridgnorth.

“When we are notified of such incidents, we'll ensure the graffiti is quickly removed, and will report each incident to the police as a hate crime.”

The council added that graffiti can be reported via the the Fix My Street app, or by calling 0345 678 9006.

Contact police using 101 or https://www.westmercia.police.uk/ - or 999 in an emergency.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or crimestoppers-uk.org.