Outrage over race hate graffiti

RESIDENTS are outraged after racist graffiti was scrawled across a wall near a primary school.

The offensive slur - "NF WE HATE P**** AND W*** BNP" - was written in giant lettering across the wall at the entrance to Lark Close in Warley.

Residents say this is the first time anything like this has ever happened in such a friendly part of the borough, just around the corner from Holly Trees Primary School, and have hit back at the "sick-minded" individuals who sprayed the disgusting message.

Borough councillor Karen Chilvers led a late-night council operation to remove some of the words on Monday after being informed by a concerned resident.

A Mauritian family were shocked by the racist slurs written near their home. The mother, who preferred not to be named for fear of attack, said: "I don't know who wrote that. It is not nice to have it here. It is shocking. We have never had a problem like this before. They are really friendly here."

Another resident, Donna Rackliff, 44, said: "We have never seen anything like this before. I think everyone is shocked by it. It makes you feel awful. I feel physically sick about it. It is offensive to everyone. No one has these views around here."

Debbie Friend, also from Lark Close, reported the graffiti to the police and has also been in touch with Estuary Housing Association.

She said: "I am angry and shocked. I think Brentwood is pretty multicultural. We have never seen it here before.

"It is near to the school and we have all nationalities of kids going there. It is dangerous and it is not welcome here."

Neighbour Louise Wyles, 36, said: "I was just shocked and surprised. It is not something you expect around here. You don't see much graffiti, let alone to such racist extremes."

Another resident, Paul Foret, 40, said: "It is disgusting. There are some sick-minded people around."

Cllr Chilvers said: "The graffiti was extremely offensive, racially motivated and was so obvious to anyone going to the school that it had to be removed as soon as possible before the school children could see it."

Detectives are investigating the incident and are appealing for information.

A police spokesman said: "At this stage, no one knows when the wall was vandalised, but we do know that it took place some time during the seven-day period after Monday, January 19."

Anyone with information should call detectives in the hate crime unit at Harlow police station on 0300 333 44 44.