A Whitehaven community has been left disgusted and sickened after a spate of graffiti.

At least five buildings in the Kells and Woodhouse areas have been affected including Seacliffe Pharmacy, High Road and McColls at Lakeside Avenue. The graffiti seems to be targetting an individual rather than the building owners themselves.

Deputy manager Kim Stoker, from McColls, confirmed that graffiti had appeared on the front of their shop on Wednesday morning. She said: “It’s absolutely shocking and we are the main route for kids going to school, it’s not right that they will read that. I’m just sickened.”

Colleagues at the shop said that other buildings such as a pizza shop, houses and Woodbank Community Church had also been attacked.

Charles Whitfield, pharmacist at Seacliffe Pharmacy said the graffiti wasn’t targeted at them, and it is: “clearly someone with a grudge against someone else,” but said the support from the community has been amazing.

More than 100 comments were left on the pharmacy’s Facebook page, calling the graffiti disgusting and awful and offering to help repaint.

Charles said that Whitehaven Town Councillor for Kells Chris Hayes has offered to remove the graffiti.

Cllr Hayes said: “Charles has helped out so many during lockdown, it’s gratitude from the community. I’m a decorator by trade and I’m going to offer it to all that have been affected by the graffiti. There have been so many offers of help, Kells is a great community.”

Mr Hayes added that there is a ward grant available if needed, but thinks this might not be required once he speaks to his suppliers.

Charles added: “It’s always nice to see continuation of support. The community has been supportive right through the pandemic, and there is goodwill out there. 99.9 per cent of the community is fantastic, it just takes a small number to spoil it for everyone.”

Police have been notified about the graffiti.