Racial and anti-Semitic slurs have been graffitied in Dorchester.

Six incidents of criminal damage have been reported in St John Way, Peverell Avenue East and The Great Field in Poundbury.

It is reported that graffiti was sprayed and some of it had a racial or anti-Semitic element.

Dorset Police is investigating the criminal damage and is appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

The incidents are believed to have happened between Wednesday, February 14 and Thursday February 15.

Police constable Glen Caddy, of Dorchester Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Dorset Police takes hate crime extremely seriously and we are committed to identifying those responsible.

“We are following all available lines of enquiry and would ask anyone who saw what happened, or has information about who was responsible, to please come forward.

“Local officers will be carrying out enquiries in the area and can be approached by anyone while out on patrol with information or concerns.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55240023829.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.