OFFENSIVE graffiti has been painted along Dawlish sea wall.

The nature of the graffiti along a section of the new wall, part of the major resilience programme to protect the railway line through the town, has been described as racist.

A Network Rail spokesperson said: ‘We are aware that offensive graffiti has recently been sprayed on the Dawlish sea wall. 

‘We understand the impact graffiti can have on local communities and we’re committed to removing any offensive graffiti as soon as possible after it is reported to us.

‘Our team will be attending the area within the next 24 hours to remove the graffiti and has saved images of what was sprayed on the structure, should this be required by law enforcement for investigative purposes.’

The graffiti has sparked condemnation in Dawlish with some saying they were surprised it hadn’t happened earlier. 

A suggestion on social media was to organise a mural for the expanse of wall. 

One resident commented it could have a 

‘a proper vibrant mural across the wall, maybe something planned and properly thought out but bringing a group of kids in to help and do something that resonates with Dawlish as a place.

‘Give it some colour, quite Soviet vibes that wall. It would be a lovely project for the kids to be part of.’

Another suggested Dawlish Town Council should host a ‘graffiti workshop’ with young people so they can get involved and produce something better.

Contractors BAM were due to remove the material on Tuesday.