Racist graffiti has been daubed on a disabled toilet in a cemetery, forcing officials to close it for repairs.

Vandals daubed highly offensive messages in the loo at Whitstable Cemetery and burnt parts of the sink and wall.

Deputy director of people at Canterbury City Council, Marie Royle, says the facility will now have to be closed for weeks while maintenance work is carried out.

“It is really disappointing to discover Whitstable Cemetery’s disabled toilets in this state thanks to inconsiderate and selfish vandals," said Ms Royle.

“We can’t even show the picture of the racist graffiti because it is too offensive. The facilities will now have to be closed for at least two weeks while we carry out repairs.

“That’s inconvenient to cemetery users who are there to remember people they cherished and expensive for council taxpayers who have to foot the bill.

“That money could be used for investing in services rather than having to spend it on putting this right.

The council has apologised for any inconvenience the closure of the toilet may cause and is appealing for any witnesses to come forward.

If you have any information relating to this incident, you can report it by calling police on 01843 222 289 quoting the crime reference number DP-12327-23-4646-01.