Police are investigating after a spate of antisemitic graffiti in Shenley.

The words “Jew ghetto” and a star of David were found spray-painted on a fence in Porters Park Drive, near Shenley Chapel and on the chapel wall itself.

Police, who are dealing with the incidents as religiously aggravated criminal damage, said: “If anyone saw anything suspicious in the area or has information that may assist the investigation they are asked to contact us, quoting crime reference number ISR 137.

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Local MP Oliver Dowden said: “I am appalled by the anti-Semitic graffiti over the weekend in Shenley. I’ve been in contact with the Borough Council and the Police and am reassured that the Council are taking immediate action to remove it and the Police will be pursuing the perpetrators with vigour.

‘I will also be meeting with community leaders in Shenley next week.”

Local resident Michelle Spevick posted a picture of the graffiti on the ‘My Shenley’ Facebook page, stating: “As a descendant of families pretty much wiped out in the Holocaust I am sickened by this. Having happily lived in this lovely, peaceful, warm and open community for nearly 15 years I am just so sad.”

Another local, Susan Harris, added a picture, saying she had “lived here for 20 years and never seen such disgusting graffiti”, while a third Facebook user said: “We just saw this and were horrified and sad that some ignorant person has written this on the fence.”

Susan Harris added another picture, saying she had “been living here for 20 years and never seen such disgusting graffiti”, while a third Facebook user said: “We just saw this and were horrified and also very sad that some ignorant person has written this on the fence.”

Dave Rich, spokesperson for antisemitism watchdog the Community Security Trust, said: “This vile graffiti was reported to CST this morning and it has also been reported to the Police.

“This kind of antisemitic language should have no place in our society and we appeal to anybody who knows who did this to come forward.”