Racist graffiti in Broadwater

Fences, walls and garage doors in area of The Quashetts were sprayed with taunts against Muslims and slogans inciting violence.

One householder who spotted his fence had been targeted on Monday morning immediately painted over the sickening words, describing it as "disgusting".

Another resident said the vandalism was "really nasty".

Ali Abdul Rahman, chairman of Worthing Islamic Society, said the graffiti was part of a dark trend of anti-Islamic crimes and disturbing behaviour in the area near the society's headquarters, the mosque in Ivy Arch Road.

He said the building had been vandalised twice this year and suspicious incidents reported of cars being parked nearby with passengers closely watching the mosque, before speeding away.

He said: "All our women and children are really worried. Every day it's getting worse.

"We've got to guard the place. We've got to watch the place when women and children are around so they are not attacked or get into dangerous situations.

"It's almost an emergency situation."

He added: "This country is supposed to be a free country, peaceful.

"It's not really happening. We are being targeted, I think.

"It's sad, really."

Police have confirmed they are investigating the graffiti, which they described as "abhorrent".

A statement said: "Mindless graffiti, regardless of content, is an eyesore for all of our residents.

"The fact that this is racist is abhorrent and not to be tolerated."

They urged anyone with any information on the graffiti to contact police on 0845 6070999.

For more on this story see Thursday's Worthing Herald