A councillor has called for the community to be vigilant after a swastika was daubed on a tree in Borehamwood.

The symbol was painted in blue on a tree in Furzehill Road and spotted by Jewish News reporter Jack Mendel yesterday.

By 10am this morning, the graffiti had been cleaned from the tree.

The daubing was not technically a Nazi swastika - it was the wrong way round and resembled the swastika used in Hinduism or Buddhism.

Borehamwood Times:

But councillor Farida Turner has been left in no doubt that what was painted was "racially motivated" in a town with a large Jewish population.

Cllr Turner, who represents Hillside ward, said: "I believe it was meant to be racially offensive. While I was standing in the street, people were walking by saying it was disgusting and others recognised me and asked if I had seen it.

"I'm convinced this was racially motivated and we have to be vigilant. We need to make sure this is an isolated incident. We must protect all our residents against any type of racial hatred.

"I'd like to thank Hertsmere Borough Council for reacting so quickly."

Police say they "hope to follow up on those responsible".

Insp Mark Bilsdon from the Borehamwood safer neighbourhood team said: "We take incidents like this very seriously. This kind of behaviour has no place anywhere, and we hope to follow up on those who are responsible.

"If you have any information which could help with our enquiries - which are due to begin - please contact 101."

In January, the words 'Jew Ghetto' were sprawled on two fences in Shenley and on the walls of a chapel.

Borehamwood Times: