“Racially aggravated” graffiti sprayed on posters advertising a Holocaust Memorial Day is being investigated by the police.

Newham Recorder: A vandalised poster in High Street, StratfordA vandalised poster in High Street, Stratford (Image: Archant)

The words “liars” and “killers” were daubed in red paint on three posters advertising the council event - two in High Street, Stratford, and one in West Ham Lane, near Stratford Park.

The graffiti, which has since been removed, is being treated as racially aggravated criminal damage.

Police officers are checking the borough’s CCTV footage to try and identify the culprits and Newham Council will be monitoring all advertising boards in case of further offences.

Resident James Tattle, who reported one of the incidents to the council via Twitter and the Love Newham app, said he was “utterly repulsed and saddened” to spot a defaced poster.

He added: “I couldn’t believe that anyone would stoop so low as to scrawl that graffiti – not something I expect to see in London in 2015.”

Sir Robin Wales, Mayor of Newham, has condemned those responsible. “This despicable and cowardly hate crime is an assault on the values of decency and mutual respect which the vast majority of us share,” he said. “This outrage underlines not only the importance of keeping the memory of the Holocaust alive but of standing up to intolerance and hatred at every opportunity.

“Newham Council will work with our police partners to bring those responsible to justice.”

Anyone who has witnessed this crime is asked to contact police on the non-emergency number 101. This number can also be used to report a crime.

Newham Council’s Holocaust Memorial Day event will take place on January 27 in Stratford town hall from 9.30am to 12.30pm. The free event, which is open to the public, will include a first-hand account by a Holocaust survivor.