Warkworth villagers are branded racist
Residents living in a quiet village have been plagued by graffiti branding them racists.
People living in Warkworth have woken up twice in the past week to discover that graffiti branding them 'Nazis' and 'BNP Scum' has been spray painted on their homes and cars.
Among those targeted was prominent BNP member Peter Mailer who owns the village's Black Bull pub. But a number of other non BNP supporters who live in the village were also singled out in the attacks and had property damaged.
Police are now trying to track down those responsible and are appealing for the public's help. The Black Bull was first spray painted in the early hours of Friday morning.
Around 48 hours later in the early hours of Sunday morning the same vandals are believed to have returned.
The Black Bull was attacked once more but a restaurant and a number of people's private homes and cars were also spray painted.
One message simply said 'Nazi Town'. The graffiti has shocked residents of the village. Parish Council chairman Stuart Elliott said: "Nothing like this has ever happened before. To be attacked twice in just a few days is really disturbing. We have one resident who is a prominent member of the BNP and his views have been known for a number of years.
To target anyone for their political beliefs, even if they are considered unpleasant, is something which can't be condoned. There are also people who, as far as I am aware, have no connection to the BNP who have been singled out."
Mr Elliott believes the attacks are a result of BNP leader Nick Griffin's recent appearance on Question Time.
Apart from the Black Bull the nearby Warkworth House Hotel and Restaurant, two holiday cottages and a bed and breakfast were also daubed in graffiti. Two Mercedes Benz cars were also emblazoned with swastikas.
A Northumbria Police spokesman said: "Police received seven reports of graffiti being daubed on property and vehicles in Bridge Street, Warkworth." Anyone with information should call 0345 604-3043 ext 69191
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