A priest has hit out at "mindless" vandals after golden swastikas were spray-painted onto a church.

The offensive symbols were discovered on the doors of St Augustine's in Ramsgate.

It is believed the graffiti had been sprayed overnight.

Priest Simon Heans has branded the attack "distressing" and says the damage to the antique doors in St Augustine's Road will be costly to remove.

He added: "It is very upsetting that someone could do this, even on any door.

"We don't know whether it was intended to send a message about the Catholic church or if it was just mindless vandalism.

"Whatever the motive, it is very distressing and will be very expensive to remove.

"We will have to spend a lot of money as these are antique doors."

Police are investigating a report of criminal damage, which was discovered at about 7.30am on Tuesday, April 9.

Anyone with information about the damage or if they saw anything, is asked to call police on 01843 222289, quoting 46/68693/19.

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