Obscene graffiti containing a racial slur and swastika has been sprayed onto the side of a railway bridge - sparking fears bigotry is on the rise.

Police have launched an investigation into the disgusting paintings along the pedestrian crossing at Blacksole Bridge in Beltinge after receiving a report at 8.20pm yesterday.

The vile tags – which included the n-word – were spotted by passers-by as they walked along Margate Road earlier that evening.

Angry Nathan Tough, from the centre of town, said: “The chances are it was a juvenile who was trying to make their hate heard.

“I don’t feel like what was on that bridge represents Herne Bay in any way, shape or form.

“Things like this are becoming more and more common – we’re seeing hate speech increase across social media. It’s just terrible.”

The 51-metre walkway, which was opened three years ago, is named after Spitfire pilot Albert Hugo Friday, who crashed his plane in Herne Bay during the Second World War.

Mr Tough, who ran as a Green party candidate in May’s local elections, and Labour activist Connor McCann decided to cover the hate speech in white paint after receiving the go-ahead from police.

“The fact that the bridge is dedicated to someone who died while fighting against fascism is an irony that’s probably lost on the culprit,” the 34-year-old continued.

“We’ve been renovating my father-in-law’s house, so I grabbed a tin of white outdoors paint from the shed and some brushes to get rid of it.

"It took about 40 minutes to paint over it.

“I don’t feel like anyone should have to tolerate that kind of message or see that and feel intimidated. It’s not acceptable.”

"I don’t feel like what was on that bridge represents Herne Bay in any way, shape or form" - Nathan Tough

Labelling the vandals "racists", Canterbury City Council spokesman Leo Whitlock says anyone with information about the incident could receive a £500 reward if it leads to a conviction.

He added: "We condemn the behaviour of these racists in the strongest possible terms and would urge anyone with information on this act of wanton vandalism to contact the police or by emailing graffiti@canterbury.gov.uk."

Mr Whitlock says anyone who spots offensive graffiti should report it to the council for it to be cleaned via canterbury.gov.uk/graffiti.

Police are urging anyone with information to call them on 01843 222289, quoting the reference number 46/206648/19, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

To get the latest updates on ongoing cases, police appeals and criminals put behind bars, click here

Read more: All the latest news from Herne Bay