AN NHS branded van has been targeted with offensive graffiti while parked in a residential area of Bournemouth.

The vehicle, driven by an NHS worker, was parked in Southbourne Road when it had the words "no hope scum" spray painted on both sides.

The incident is believed to have occurred overnight between Wednesday, February 1, and Thursday, February 2.

The NHS worker has reported the damage to police and issued a plea on social media for anyone with information to come forward.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: “We received a report at 8.42am on Thursday, February 2 of criminal damage relating to a van that had been parked in Southbourne Road in Bournemouth, which has been sprayed with paint.

“The damage was reported to have been caused between 7pm on Wednesday, February 1 and around 8.40am on Thursday, February 2.

“Officers have been making enquiries. No arrests have been made.”