Hamilton police are investigating after hateful graffiti was spray painted on the doors of a recently closed bowling alley in the city’s east end.

A resident called police at 11:42 p.m. Tuesday to report graffiti on the former Skyway Lanes on Melvin Ave.

According to nearby residents, the front entrance of the building had been tagged with the N-word, “WASS GANG” and phallic images more than a week ago.

A municipal bylaw officer went to the building on June 17 and posted a notice on the door informing the new owners they must remove “all graffiti.”

The notice states the violations were to be corrected by June 21. If the owner does not remove the images, the city may clean it up at the owner’s expense. They could also be fined up to $10,000.

Hamilton police say the Hate Crime Unit will be reviewing the incident.

Anyone with information that could help with the investigation is asked to contact Hamilton police.