Police have been left "horrified" after finding swastikas sprayed onto signs urging people to stay at home and "protect the NHS".
Vandals attacked a number of yellow "car park closed" signs along the coast between Seaton Sluice and Whitley Bay, North Tyneside.
At least five locations over two miles were vandalised overnight, including a sign saying "Car park closed, stay at home, protect the NHS, save lives".
Council teams were sent out to remove the swastikas.
It comes as millions of frontline health workers continue to put their lives at risk amid the UK's coronavirus outbreak.
Northumbria Police officers are now appealing for information about the incident.
A police spokesperson said the officers were "horrified".
The force urged anyone with information to send details on the Northumbria Police website.
