WILTSHIRE Police are appealing for witnesses and information following several incidents of abusive and racist graffiti being scrawled on homes in Swindon.

Several families in Penhill have recently had their houses defaced with abusive slogans and swastikas painted on walls, windows and doors.

This has happened to houses in the Corsham Road and Fyfield Avenue areas.

The first occasion was at the beginning of December 2013.

One house was vandalised on January 3, 2014 and three houses were damaged overnight from 8th to 9th January.

White, green and silver paint have been used on different occasions.

One of the houses has been damaged on three separate occasions in this way. It is not known why this house in particular has been damaged.

The ethnicity of the occupants does not appear to have been the reason for their houses having been damaged. They appear to have been targeted at random.

The local Community Beat Manager for the area, PC Lloyd Griffiths said: “This is very unusual for the Penhill area.

"I can see no reason why these families have had their houses damaged in this way.

"Whoever is doing this obviously thinks that they are having some fun but it has left three families worried about future problems.

"The families have been a part of the Penhill community for a long time and this has left them feeling vulnerable and worried.

"The local beat team have stepped up patrols and we are working with Swindon Borough Council to catch the suspects and to prevent this happening again.”

If anyone has any information as to who may be responsible for this damage, contact PC Griffiths on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously.