Red crosses painted over town's murals

A number of works of art have been defaced with the cross

A number of colourful murals on the same street have had red crosses painted over them.

North Somerset Council said the damage to street art on Old Post Office Lane in Weston-super-Mare had been raised with police so "appropriate action" could be taken.

Liberal Democrat council leader, Mike Bell, said he was "fed up" with "mindless" vandalism "masquerading as patriotism" in some cases.

"These vandals are damaging property, making the town centre look worse and adding to the costs on hard-pressed businesses and councils who must clean it up," he said.

"My message is clear, this is not to be tolerated, and we will work with the police to bring culprits to justice," he added.

It is not known exactly when the paintings were defaced, but Avon and Somerset Police said the damage may have been carried out overnight from 24 to 25 November.

Councillor Mike Bell described the vandalism as "mindless"

A spokesperson for the force said: "Officers understand those involved in a project to bring colour and creativity to that area of the town have been left deeply saddened by this incident of criminal damage."

A growing number of St George and Union flags have been put up around England in recent months, with the groups responsible for installing them telling BBC News they were motivated by patriotism.

And beyond flags, the red cross has been painted on road signs, street markings and buildings, with concerns from some the emblem is sowing division in communities.

Police said the matter is "being taken seriously"

Neighbourhood police community support officer supervisor Jakub Pietroczuk said he wanted to "reassure the community that this matter is being taken seriously".

"Our aim is to identify the person responsible and ensure appropriate action is taken," he added.

"Acts of vandalism have no place in Weston-super-Mare, and we are committed to protecting the character of our town."

A spokesperson for North Somerset Council added: "We continue to be disappointed that areas are being vandalised with graffiti in this way - it is criminal damage."