RACIST graffiti has been daubed on an underpass in Teignmouth.

The vandalism has been recorded as a hate crime and rewards have been issued for information to identify the culprits.

The racist comments were daubed on the walls of the underpass between Pellew Arcade at Teignmouth Library. 

Hours after it was reported, Teignmouth councillors Andrew Henderson and David Cox had set to work to paint over the offensive words.

Cllr Henderson said: ‘It is important to remove graffiti as soon as possible, with this ‘hate’ crime it is even more important to remove it.’

Cllr David Cox added: ‘Teignmouth is a tolerant place we don’t need hatemongers.’

The graffiti has been widely condemned by members of the public.

Teignmouth Pride group responded saying ‘Thank you, hate has no place in society.’

Others described it as ‘objective nastiness’, ‘vile’ and ‘disgusting’.

Another said: ‘Racism has no place in our society.’

It is being recorded as a hate crime by police.

Teignmouth town council is offering a reward of £200 for information leading to a conviction.

And Teignmouth town councillors David Cox, Andrew Henderson and Becky Cox are also offering an additional reward for information leading to the conviction or restorative justice option of the graffiti vandals.