Nazi swastikas have been daubed on an historic Kent church - causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.
The mindless graffiti - which included anti Semitic abuse and a skull - was painted on the ruins of St Mary’s Church in Eastwell.
Would have been the aisle and exterior walls were covered.
Police in Ashford believe the racist attack happened sometime between October 1 to 15 are now hunting the yobs who did it.
"The graffiti, which is offensive and racial, covers a large area and will cost a considerable amount of money to clean.
"All graffiti is vandalism, however to do this to a church, even if in ruins, is despicable behaviour."
The church in Lenacre Street has been designated by English Heritage as a Grade II listed building.
It is also a scheduled monument.
Matthew Saunders, director of Friends of Friendless Churches who own the ruins, spoke of his disgust after finding the graffiti.
He said: "To make a church a canvas for spreading racial hatred is appalling.
"We have consolidated the ruins of St Mary's at some considerable expense and to have to spend more money on removing these violent offensive words is not how we expected to have to allocate our very limited resources."
Anyone with information should contact South Kent police on 01622 690 690 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Kent Online
