The discovery of anti-Semitic graffiti on the walls of Carlisle Castle has been met with fury.

Police say they are investigating incident of racially aggravated criminal damage on the outer walls of the historic castle.

The graffiti was found on the walls on June 2.

Labour Carlisle city councillor for Cathedral and Castle ward Louise Atkinson said: “I’m shocked and appalled.

“Anti-Semitism is on the rise and it needs to be caught out and tackled wherever we see it.

“There’s absolutely no place for this in our wonderful city, and in particular on our beautiful castle.”

Officers are appealing for anyone with information or who witnessed the incident to please get in touch.

A spokesperson for Multicultural Cumbria said: “Anti-Semitism of any form is completely unacceptable, and the fact that this graffiti was daubed on Carlisle Castle is beyond our comprehension.

“We are sure that these are the views of a very small minority in Carlisle and the vast majority of us continue to welcome people of all cultural heritages and faiths and into our diverse community.

“If anyone experiences any negative racial behaviour of any sort, we encourage people to report it to the police and we are always here for support.”

Labour city councillor Peter Sunter said: “Hate-related speech has no place whatsoever in our community and it should be decried wherever it’s found.

“The fact that it was on the castle doesn’t make it any different. It’s despicable wherever it’s found.”

A spokesperson for Cumbria police said: “Hate-related incidents can have a serious impact on communities and individuals.

“There is no place for hate on the streets of Cumbria and these types of incidents are dealt with vigorously and appropriately.”

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact PC 2999 on 101, or report online at www.cumbria.police.uk/reportit, quoting incident number 191 of June 2.

Alternatively, they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.