POLICE are investigating a spate of "nasty" xenophobic graffiti in Boscombe.

Offensive graffiti targeting Polish people has been sprayed across the Riviera Pub and on the 'Tardis' police box in Boscombe precinct, overnight from Tuesday into Wednesday.

Dorset Police said its officers are in the process of making contact with the owner and landlord of the pub, and are liaising with Bournemouth council, to arrange the removal of the graffiti. Bournemouth council confirmed it was sending out a clean-up team.

The force is investigating the incident as racially-aggravated criminal damage, and is seeking witnesses.

Police Sergeant Ashley White, of Boscombe Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “This is a particularly nasty and hateful incident and I would like to reassure the community that an investigation is now under way to identify the culprits."

Contact the force on 101 quoting reference 28:207.