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Thugs have daubed racist graffiti on a Sikh temple in Thornaby.

Police are now investigating the vandal attack on the temple on Allensway.

It comes just weeks after thieves struck at the Shri Guru Nanak Gurdwara and Sikh Community Centre, stealing food and clothes.

The threatening graffiti sprayed onto the outside wall of the temple earlier this week included the phrase ‘white power’ as well as religious-themed profanity.

It also targeted Muslims - despite it being a Sikh temple.

Peter Brennan, of the Village Park Resident’s Association (VPRA) reported the graffiti to Stockton Council after being shown it by a fellow committee member from the temple.

He said: “This is absolutely disgusting - people need to be aware of this sort of madness.

“The vandals were obviously ignorant but the hate was real.

“The temple and community centre is a well respected part of our town and community.

“This attack in no way reflects the warm feelings felt towards the Sikh community in Thornaby.”

Mr Brennan praised the speedy response from Stockton Council in getting the graffiti cleaned off.

Cleveland Police are investigating the vandalism and are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information to contact them.

The incident occurred sometime overnight from Tuesday into Wednesday, say police.

As reported, on Friday, August 14, at about 3pm a woman entered the same Temple and stole a trolley containing food and clothing.

She is described as white with long blonde hair which was tied back in a ponytail and she was wearing a long black coat and black trousers.

The woman left the temple pushing the trolley in the direction of Leahope Court in Thornaby.

Anyone with information on either crime can contact PC Christopher Bancroft on the non-emergency 101 number, Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.