St George's flag daubed on doors of church

The Reverend Michael Smith said the graffiti was discovered on Wednesday

A historical Grade II listed church has been vandalised with a St George's cross, daubed across its 19th Century oak doors.

The spray-painted flag was discovered on the entrance to the 128-year-old St Luke's Church in Winton, Bournemouth, on Wednesday.

Rector, the Reverend Michael Smith, said it was "probably no coincidence" the graffiti appeared soon after an anti-racism meeting in the church hall.

He said: "It's just sad, more than anything, that somebody thinks that's an acceptable thing to do, whatever it might represent."

Dorset Police said it was treating the graffiti as criminal damage.

Mr Smith said: "We hosted a Stand Up to Racism open meeting on Monday in our church hall and it's probably no coincidence that... we discovered a St George's flag had been painted - rather badly - on the doors of the church.

"One of the people who was at the meeting... turned up with a scrubbing brush - parts of the church door are now the cleanest they've ever been but you can see the outline of it so damage has been done.

"With any 100-and-something-year-old oak door, it will cost a significant amount to restore it to how it should look."

The Reverend Michael Smith said restoring the door would cost "a significant amount"

Thousands of flags have been painted and hung in public places in recent weeks, leaving many people divided over their meaning - some see it as an act of patriotism, while others say the flag has been hijacked by the far-right amid a wave of anti-immigration sentiment.

Mr Smith said the community at St Luke's was proud of its inclusivity.

"In the past, we've certainly welcomed refugees and asylum seekers among us," he said.

"I think it makes us more resolute to ensure that we are fighting for those who are on the margins and those who are truly in need."

Dorset Police said: "We are aware of this incident and it is being treated as criminal damage.

"No arrests have been made."