Racist graffiti found at multiple locations in Holywood, County Down is being treated as a hate-motivated crime by police.

Offensive messages were photographed at the weekend on a coastal path at Seapark beach and at accommodation used by residents aged over 55.

North Down assembly member Connie Egan said the graffiti is the latest in a series of racist, xenophobic and sectarian messages in the town. She has asked police for extra resources to address the issue.

Similar graffiti was sprayed along the seafront in July and on a subway at Strand Avenue at the beginning of this month, according to Egan.

Egan said the graffiti does not reflect the majority of Holywood residents and that those responsible should be ashamed.

The PSNI said it is aware of the offensive graffiti and is making enquiries to establish when the damage was caused. Police appealed for anyone with information to come forward.