A hate crime where "no blacks" was spray-painted on the front door of a family home is being investigated by police, who apologised for their delayed response.

Jackson Yamba said he reported the "abhorrent" crime more than a week ago after the graffiti appeared on his home in Salford.

The father-of-one's 10-year-old son David was left in tears after seeing the racist message.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) is now investigating after Mr Yamba posted a photo of his vandalised front door on Twitter.

The image, which shows the racist language in dripped white paint, went viral after it was shared on Saturday evening.


Image: Jackson Yamba with his son David. Pic: Twitter\Jackson Yamba

Mr Yamba wrote in an accompanying post: "My front door in Salford was painted over a week ago with this abhorrent racist graffiti - after it reporting it to @gmpolice they still haven't been here to investigate.

"How do I assure my traumatised 10-year-old that he is safe in his home?"

Mr Yamba's son David told the Manchester Evening News: "My daddy was taking me to school when we first saw it.

"I was scared as this has never happened to me before.

"I was so surprised. I wanted to stay in the house in case they were waiting and I didn't want to go to school, but dad said it will be okay.

"I started to cry in case something happened. I don't want to stay in the house anymore."

The morning after Mr Yamba's tweet, Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said he had only just become aware of the "appalling crime" and apologised for the lack of response.

When Mr Yamba said he was told there were not enough staff when he contacted GMP on 8 February, Mr Hopkins replied: "That is frankly just not good enough.

"There may have been other issues at the time, but we should have followed up quickly.

"It's an appalling crime you and your family have suffered."

I am really grateful for the amount of support across the country. There is no word to describe my gratefulness. My son and I want to thank you all. I have been seen by the Police and received unlimited support from you all. We love you all — Jackson Yamba (@JacksonYamba) February 17, 2019

GMP later said it was aware of concerns about its response to the reports of racist graffiti at the flat.

The force added that it was sorry Mr Yamba had "received a service below what we would seek to provide" and that they had visited him on Sunday morning.

Since Mr Yamba tweeted the image, messages of support have flooded in to the father and son.

A GoFundMe page which was set up to help the pair replace their door exceeded its £1,000 target in less than six hours.

The pair were also invited to be special guests at a local rugby match and meet the Salford Red Devils players.

Rebecca Long-Bailey, MP for Salford and Eccles, replied to Mr Yamba's post asking him to email her.

Mr Yamba tweeted in response: "I am really grateful for the amount of support across the country.

"There is no word to describe my gratefulness. My son and I want to thank you all."

:: Anyone with information should contact police on 101.