An investigation has been launched after racist graffiti appeared in Preston city centre.

A member of the public spotted the graffiti on the Stevie Wonder mural in Main Sprit Weind off Fishergate on Tuesday (3 April), the day Preston North End played bitter rivals Blackpool FC on what would have been Sir Tom Finney’s 100th birthday.

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The words ‘BFC’ and ‘Seasiders’ had been sprayed in orange alongside a racial slur.

The racist graffiti has since been painted over completely.

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A Lancashire Police spokesperson said: “This kind of abhorrent offending will not be tolerated by Lancashire Police and an investigation is ongoing to identify those responsible.

“Lancashire is an inclusive place to live and work and this kind of offending is rare and in no way reflective of the communities which we serve.”

A Preston City Council spokesperson said: “We were not aware of this graffiti, but when we attended someone had already painted over it.

“If anyone does see any graffiti in the city, we would encourage them to report it via our website.”

Racist graffiti can be reported to Lancashire Police via email forcecontrolroom@lancashire.police.uk or by calling 101.

You can also fill out a report graffiti form via Preston City Council website for offensive street art to be removed within two working days.

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