More neo-Nazi graffiti is found scrawled on walls around Preston

The offensive graffiti was found yesterday (Tuesday, September 22) daubed on the wall of The Good Van Company shop in Brook Street, opposite the Brook Tavern pub, in Plungington.

The swastika - accompanied by the date '1914' - is a repeat of the graffiti found painted onto a wall in a Plungington alleyway during Jewish New Year festivities at the weekend.

Plungington Coun Pav Akhtar said he was 'appalled' at the alarming trend, which he believes might be linked to far right supporters of a Bulgarian football club.

He said: "I was contacted by a Bulgarian sports journalist who thinks the symbols are connected to Far Right extremists among Levski Sofia Football Club.

"1914 is the date the club was formed and it is a nod to the number 14 which is common in neo-Nazi symbolism. But if so, why Preston?"

He added: "As a local councillor it matters to me that all members of the community I live in and represent are safe to be themselves and live with psychological safety.

"To our Jewish friends and neighbours: we stand with you!"

The 'swastika 1914' graffiti has appeared on walls around Preston on a number of occasions since it was first spotted in May last year.

Lancashire Police launched an investigation, with the Post publishing media appeals to help find the culprits, but no arrests were made.

The anti-Semitic imagery has reappeared in the days leading up to and following Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year celebrations, in an apparent bid to unsettle the city's Jewish community.

Lancashire Police say they are aware of the racist intent of the vandalism and an investigation to find those responsible is back underway.

Insp Chris Barton, of Preston Police said: "This does appear to be connected to a separate spate of crimes that occurred between Plungington and the city centre at the end of May.

"Unfortunately, our enquiries, which included media appeals, did not assist in identifying those responsible.

"Our investigation has just begun but clearly any help from the public would be greatly appreciated as we are very keen to prosecute those responsible."

The weekend's graffiti in the alleyway between Alsop Street and College Close was swiftly cleaned up by Preston City Council workers on Monday (September 21).

City Coun Robert Boswell, cabinet member for environment and community safety, said: "I am pleased to say our team has reacted quickly to the report of racist graffiti in the Plungington area this weekend, and it has now been removed.

"Racism and messages of hate have no place in Preston and I am grateful to those who reported this abhorrent graffiti as our city has a proud tradition of standing against all forms of prejudice.

"I’d urge anyone who sees something similar to report it to us so that it can be taken care of."

Preston City Council is urging residents to report any further graffiti immediately through its website here.