A warning has been issued after offensive and "racially aggravated" stickers were found plastered on lampposts and other items of street furniture around a town.

The offensive messages have been seen dotted around Chatham prompting police to investigate and visit upset residents.

On Saturday, officers received a report that stickers were found on lampposts in Magpie Hall Road, Castle Road and Ingram Road, Gillingham.

They were also found on a bus stop in Magpie Hall Road and on a handrail in Newnham Street.

It follows a similar offence reported on September 5 where a person saw offensive stickers placed in various locations in Henry Street.

And just three days later further offensive messages appeared on lampposts in Reform Road.

The reports have prompted police to carry out inquiries to locate those responsible and officers have also been meeting with residents to offer reassurance.

'The messages written on these stickers can cause a lot of anxiety and fear and the offence itself carries a racially aggravated criminal charge...'

Chief Inspector Shona Lowndes, Kent Police’s district commander for Medway, has warned leaving offensive stickers can lead to a racially aggravated criminal charge.

She said: "Placing offensive messages on street furniture is not acceptable and can cause a lot of upset to people going about their normal daily business.

"The messages written on these stickers can cause a lot of anxiety and fear and the offence itself carries a racially aggravated criminal charge.

"It is important to remember this is a serious offence which can cause fear to a large community of people who see these messages, and this is not acceptable.

The district commander added: "Residents who are offended by any notices or stickers should report the incidents to Kent Police so we can investigate.

"If anyone has information as to who placed these stickers in this location or sees anything of similar of concern please do report it and do not attempt to remove them."

Anybody wishing to report the issue can call Kent Police on 01634 792209, quoting reference number 46/173393/21 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, or by using the online form on their website.