Police are investigating a spate of anti-Semitic graffiti which was daubed on cars and houses in Stoke Newington.

Swastikas were drawn overnight on cars and homes in Osbaldeston Road, Hackney, police said.

The area is home to more than 20,000 Haredi Jews live - the third largest group in the world.

Extra officers are set be put on patrol to reassure the community.

The Shomrim group, whose Jewish volunteers support policing in the area, are also stepping up efforts to catch the vandals.

Jeff Bull, police inspector for the north east wards in Hackney, said: "We will not tolerate anti-semitism or racism of any kind.

"We are doing our utmost to trace and bring to justice the suspects involved in this racist graffiti as well as reassure all of our communities".

Shomrim coordinator Barry Bard said: "Shomrim are committed to bring a stop to these senseless and mindless acts of vandalism, and are working closely with the Police investigation to assist in every possible way.

"Similar Swastikas have appeared in the same area over the past few weeks. Police are taking these incidents very seriously and are treating it as hate crime."

A Hackney Police spokesman tweeted: "There has been a series of anti-Semitic criminal damage to cars & houses in Osbaldeston Rd, N16. #GDCSU are investigating. We are working with the local community."

Anyone with information can contact police on 101.