St George's Cross graffiti treated as hate crime

The first cross was found on the morning of 25 August and another was painted later and reported to police that day

The spraying of St George's Crosses on a clothing and shoe bank outside a mosque and Islamic centre are being investigated by police as hate-related criminal damage.

A first cross was painted outside the Al-Majid Centre in Northumberland Avenue in Reading and reported to the force at about 06:20 BST on 25 August.

It was removed but another was sprayed onto the bank and reported to police at about 23:00 on the same day.

The force said it will "balance the right to freedom of expression with the need to tackle crime and enforce the law". No one has been arrested.

The remnants of the second cross painted onto the clothing and shoe bank was still visible on Tuesday

It comes in the wake of hundreds of Union flags and St George's Cross markings appearing across the country, believed to be part of an organised effort called Operation Raise the Colours.

"Regardless of the symbols involved or sentiment being expressed," a Thames Valley Police spokesperson said.

"Painting on the highway, including roundabout markings, constitutes an offence of criminal damage and will be investigated appropriately as well as being flagged to the relevant highway authority."

"Any incidents involving flags being attached to or flown from structures that are publicly owned will generally be referred to the local authority for them to assess and respond appropriately, unless there are other associated criminal offences."

Councils across England have warned of the risk of painting public signs and roundabouts after a spate of graffiti.