A mosque in Moray has been targeted by graffiti vandals who painted swastikas and "Allah is a paedo" on the walls.
Locals have been left shocked by the "abhorrent attack" on Elgin Mosque on Monday evening.
The graffiti was daubed across the walls and windows of the building at 11pm.
Police have now stepped up patrols in the area while they try to trace who is responsible for the sick attack.
Forres Community Council said: "Thoughts go out to our Muslim Community after the damage to the Mosque is Elgin last night.
"If anyone has any information we urge you to come forward and contact either Police Scotland or Crimestoppers."
The incident happened at around 11pm on Monday, with officers now hunting a man in his 30s who was seen in the area at the time.
Detective Inspector Martin MacDougall said: "Crimes of this nature are completely unacceptable.
"There is absolutely no place for it in our communities and a number of inquiries are ongoing to establish who is responsible.
"We are in contact with the mosque and patrols will be increased in the area while our investigation continues."
The man being sought is described as white, aged between 30 and 40, around 5ft 10in, of slim build and with short brown hair.
He was wearing blue jeans and potentially a dark hooded top.
Local MSP Richard Lochead said: "I was disgusted and saddened to hear of the vandalism at Elgin Mosque last night just around the corner from my own office.
"This is an abhorrent attack on our local Muslim community in this the month of Ramadan and it is more important than ever that we all stand together and speak out against such senseless and racist vandalism.
" I hope the mosque can take comfort from the fact that the community is rallying round and uniting in condemnation of this mindless act with people volunteering to clean up the graffiti."
Anyone who was in the area at the time or has any information about the attack is urged to contact police via 101 quoting reference number 4577 of May 20.
