A police investigation has been launched after racist graffiti was found daubed on the pavement outside a Gateshead school.
Concerned residents called the police and council after finding a swastika painted on the pavement outside Grace College, on Saltwell Road South.
Now, Northumbria Police have launched an investigation and say officers are treating the sickening scrawling like a potential hate crime.
Saltwell is next to Bensham which is known for its thriving Jewish community.
A Northumbria Police spokesman said: “Last night (Tuesday) we received a report that racist graffiti had been painted onto the ground on Saltwell Road South, Gateshead."
“An investigation has been launched into the incident and officers are treating it as a suspected hate crime."
The force has also urged anybody with information to get in touch.
"Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of our website quoting log 989 230620," he added.
Calvin Lawson, a Low Fell resident, and chairman of North East Against Racism, said racist graffiti had been found in several places between the Gold Medal pub on Chowdene Bank and Grace College.
He has reported it to Gateshead Council and workers removed it on Wednesday morning.
"The council and police have been really on the ball. Gateshead Council have been amazing. They have a 24-hour reporting service and they removed the graffiti first thing this morning and have checked other places for it as well in case there is more.
"It has also been reported to the Community Security Trust, a charity that protects Jewish communities.
"Its amazing to see the community response in Low Fell, with several people reporting it. I am proud that people here are unwilling to accept it.
"The graffiti is disgraceful and whoever is responsible has betrayed the memory of our grandfathers who fought against fascism."
