“RACIST and homophobic” graffiti have been sprayed on a youth shelter in Ilminster.

The town council said it was “disappointed” to report “some very disturbing” graffiti they found at the youth shelter on Canal Way near the Recreation Ground, on Thursday, June 6, when they commemorated the 80th D-Day anniversary.

A message from Ilminster Town Council said: “We are very saddened and disappointed to report that some very disturbing graffiti was put in the youth shelter.

“On a day when we commemorate D-Day, to find racist and extreme political comments and logos is especially disturbing.

“Photos will be passed on to the police and we hope that those who have done this will be brought to justice.”

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: “We’ve received a report of graffiti featuring racist and homophobic wording appearing on the youth shelter in Canal Way, Ilminster.

“The incident happened at around 7pm on Wednesday, June 5, and has been flagged with our Neighbourhood Policing team.

“This is a concerning incident and we’d encourage anyone who saw this graffiti being put onto the youth shelter, or anyone with information on who may have been responsible, to contact us on 101.

"Please give the call handler the reference number 5224147625.”