Probe launched into Nazi graffiti attack

Councillor Paul Walker says the town is multicultural and harmonious

An investigation has been launched after graffiti bearing offensive Nazi symbolism appeared on the side of buildings in Staffordshire.

Swastikas were daubed onto the side of a corner shop in the Horninglow area of Burton-on-Trent, and nearby homes were also defaced.

The attack happened at about 16:00 GMT on 23 November, according to police, who are appealing for information.

CCTV images show a man wearing a hood, spraying paint onto the wall of a shop on the corner of Balfour Street and Horninglow Street.

It was not immediately clear why the shop and house on Balfour Street were targeted.

"Burton is a multi-cultural town, we live in peace together," the East Staffordshire borough councillor for the area, Paul Walker, told BBC Midlands Today.

"It's quite a harmonious town," he added.

"For something like this to be appearing on shop fronts and businesses, it's quite sinister to be honest."

None of the people in the affected properties wanted to talk about the incident to the BBC.

One man, however, did say he and his children had been left "scared" by the attacks.

Police have appealed for information about the vandal, who was caught on CCTV

The attack happened close to a primary school, and the borough council has said it would meet with local organisations to work out what help and reassurance it can offer - aware of how unsettling it has been for local families.

"We're here to reassure those families that we're here to help if required – and for them to reach out to us if they need us," Mr Walker said.

A spokesperson for Staffordshire Police confirmed the force was investigating after swastikas were painted on a newsagent's shop and an empty house.

Anyone with information, or with CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage, was urged to get in touch with the force.