Offensive graffiti on a building on a city university campus, branded a 'display of hate', is being investigated by police.

It follows complaints about a Ku Klux Klan symbol and a Nazi swastika sprayed on part of Eliot college at the University of Kent.

Students expressed their revulsion over the graffiti in a Facebook post by Lissy Johnson on Friday who said: "We, a collective group of students and individuals at the University of Kent and the surrounding areas, unequivocally condemn the recent spate of fascist graffiti on campus including obviously Nazi and white supremacist imagery.

"Regardless of the varying political leanings on campus, we can all agree that actions like this and the views they represent are abhorrent, archaic and unjustifiable.

"The campus should be a free and open space for all students regardless of race, sexuality, gender identity, background, religion, or ability. There is absolutely no room at the university for the celebration or acceptance of Nazism or white supremacy.
"No matter who was responsible for this repugnant display of hatred, it is still a clear attack on all those who oppose the Nazi message."

Kent Union also posted a statement on its Facebook page saying: "We take incidents of racism extremely seriously and are working with Kent Police and the university regarding the offensive graffiti daubed on Canterbury Campus yesterday, which has now been removed.

"Kent Union abhor this behaviour, which is completely against our values of inclusivity and support, and we will continue to stand up to harassment, discrimination and acts of hate crime including anti-semitic attacks where and whenever it is encountered."

Now police, who are currently treating the incident as criminal damage, are urging witnesses or anyone with information about the graffiti to come forward.

It was reported at around 7.15pm on Thursday, November 8, and investigating officer PC Daniel Ashton said: ‘At the moment inquiries are ongoing to identify when the graffiti was painted.

"Anyone with information about the damage or about people acting suspiciously in the area before the time it was reported, should call 01843 222289 quoting 46/2893/18."

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.