Racist graffiti has been spray painted onto bus stops on one of Aberdeen’s main roads.
The “abhorrent” messages included “white lives matter” and “white power” and other even more derogatory remarks.
Images of the of the vandalism were shared on social media yesterday morning, prompting a speedy response from council clean-up teams.
Two bus stops on Lang Stracht this morning. Absolutely horrifying. Feel properly upset pic.twitter.com/8mRjQjYZmR
— Moray Fraser (@morayfraser) June 25, 2020
But they found the spray paint had “burned” the messages into the perspex shelters and despite their efforts the council said evidence remained.
Police are investigating and are searching for CCTV footage that may show the vandalism occurring and lead to identification of those responsible.
Social media users hit out at the act, with some branding it “a disgrace”, “sickening” and “horrifying”.
It comes just weeks after Aberdeen hosted two well-attended events in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Councillor John Wheeler, operational delivery convener, said: “We were alerted this morning to racist graffiti daubed on bus shelters along the Lang Stracht and a team immediately went out to remove the messaging.
“Unfortunately, the type of spray paint used has burned into the perspex and left marks, but we have cleaned up as best we can.
“Aberdeen prides itself on being a tolerant city where everyone should be able to prosper regardless of race or religion.
“The city council condemns in the strongest possible way, these abhorrent acts of vandalism and the disgusting views expressed, which have no place in a civilised society.”
Sergeant Tom Spencer said: “We received reports of racist graffiti on bus stops at about 10.10am on Thursday.
“Officers are checking CCTV in the area and inquires into the incident are ongoing.
“The graffiti has since been removed.”
During Monday night’s English Premier League game between Manchester City and Burnley, a banner reading “White Lives Matter Burnley” was towed above the Etihad Stadium by an aircraft as players and officials took a knee in support of the “Black Lives Matter” movement.