Kent Police have launched an investigation after racist graffiti was found on the Gravesend Gurdwara.

In a statement announcing the probe, Kent Police said they had been informed of "racially motivated criminal damage" at the Sikh place of worship in the form of an "offensive symbol" found on site.

The incident reportedly happened on Wednesday, March 3, at the Shri Guru Nanak Darbar, Gudwara in Gravesend.

A tweet published by the GND Gravesend account showed a Nazi swastika spray painted onto the side of the building that was later removed by volunteers.

Detective Inspector Shaun Creed from Kent Police said they were supporting those impacted by the apparent hate crime as their continued with the investigation.

"We are currently investigating this act of racially motivated graffiti and would ask for anyone who may have information to come forward," he said.

"Incidents of this nature are offensive and will not be tolerated and we will work with those effected to offer support and reassurance."

Racism and hate crime are growing problems in England and Wales according to official data that traces incidents like that reported in Gravesend.

Hate crime incidents have risen year on year in the England and Wales since 2013 according to official Home Office data.

Government figures show the number of hate crimes reported increased from 39,130 in 2013 to 105,090 in 2020.