Transphobic graffiti that has been left at various locations on Tyneside is being treated as linked by police.
In recent weeks, officers have received numerous reports of the graffiti being painted on a section of the High Level Bridge, which connects Gateshead and Newcastle. The graffiti has previously been cleaned up by Gateshead Council cleaning teams only for new offensive slogans to be left in their place.
Transphobic graffiti has also been left on a number of bus stops on High West Street and Durham Road, both in the Gateshead area, in recent weeks. Officers are treating the reports as linked and are appealing for anyone with information about the hate crimes to come forward.
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Inspector Scott Youngman, of Northumbria Police, said: “Hate crime of any kind is never acceptable and a thorough investigation is underway to find those responsible. We are working with our partners to address the issue and ensure any graffiti such as this is quickly removed.
“If you have information on any of the incidents which may assist officers, please contact us immediately.
“Anyone who has been affected by seeing the graffiti can find out more about support available by emailing teambe@be-north.org.uk.”
A Gateshead Council spokesperson said: “The diversity of our residents makes Gateshead; we want our residents to feel safe as they go about their day-to-day lives.
“Graffiti of this nature is unacceptable and we will make every effort to remove this within 24 hours of being notified. If residents witness individuals defacing public property or spot graffiti in a public spot, we’d encourage that they report this to us and the police.
“We support the police in their appeal for information and encourage residents to do the same.”