Hamilton police are investigating after white paint was found dumped over a rainbow crosswalk at McMaster University meant to celebrate the city's LGBTQ community.

Const. Jerome Stewart of Hamilton police told CBC News that investigators believe the incident happened sometime before 6 a.m. Friday. The paint was found on the crosswalk at the entrance to campus at Sterling Street and Forsyth Avenue North.

"We are aware and we are investigating," Stewart said.

He said it's too early to say if the incident is being investigated as a possible hate crime.

Stewart said he expects to have an update on the investigation early next week.

Introducing the beautiful new crosswalks at the Sterling Street entrance to campus! Thank you to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HamOnt?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HamOnt</a> Mayor <a href="https://twitter.com/FredEisenberger?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FredEisenberger</a> and Ward 1 Councillor <a href="https://twitter.com/aidan_johnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@aidan_johnson</a> for including McMaster in this initiative. | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BrighterWorld?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BrighterWorld</a> <a href="https://t.co/0vDQbNhNRN">pic.twitter.com/0vDQbNhNRN</a> —@McMasterU

University spokesperson Gord Arbeau told CBC News that McMaster employees had begun cleaning up the sidewalk this morning.

The city says it cost $6,000 to install.

McMaster security is looking into what happened in connection with the police investigation, Arbeau said.

"We're trying to get to the bottom of it," he said.

He said the crosswalks, which were installed earlier this year, are "very popular with students" and the school is concerned about what happened.

"We think they send an important message that we pride ourselves on being a welcoming and inclusive campus."

adam.carter@cbc.ca