At a glance
-
An investigation into antisemitic graffiti in Torquay is being monitored at the “most senior level”, police say
-
According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the case has been handed to a group of senior officers working on local responses to the Israel-Gaza war
-
Detectives believe the graffiti is the work of one person
Antisemitic graffiti daubed on walls in Torquay is being investigated by the Home Office, councillors have been told.
The case has been handed to a group of senior officers working on local responses to the Israel-Gaza war, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) said.
Police believe a number of incidents are the work of one person and officers have appealed on social media for information.
Supt Hayley Costar told Torbay Council’s overview and scrutiny committee the investigation was being monitored at the “most senior level”.
“The importance of this in our community at the moment is not lost on us,” she added.
According to the LDRS, the Home Office has been informed and local police have been monitoring the CCTV network.
The graffiti is being removed by the council.
The committee also discussed measures being taken across Torbay to combat the threat of terrorism.
They heard the “primary concern” in the south-west was young white males with an interest in right-wing ideology who could be vulnerable because of their mental health, domestic violence or social isolation.
A report to the committee said: “There is a significant risk with isolated individuals that their beliefs are further developed by extensive use of the online space.”
Follow BBC News South West on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk.