RACIST yobs sprayed offensive graffiti in Grappenhall just one day after the publication of the Stephen Lawrence report.

The vandals tagged the phrase 'If there blak, send em back' in foot high letters on the Bradshaw Lane railway bridge in the village.

The vandalism has angered residents and borough councillors, who have condemned the graffiti as 'vile and disgusting'.

The slogan was daubed on the bridge a week last Thursday and was reported immediately by a Bradshaw Lane resident.

The man, who does not want to be named for fear of reprisals, believes callous youths are responsible for the racist slur.

"It's appalling that someone can write these kinds of things. We have had problems with youths in this area and it's obviously one of them.

"It just not right. I know some black people who live on the estate and to think that they have to walk past filth like that every day to take their children to school makes me sick," he said.

Grappenhall and Thelwall councillor Ted Lafferty said: "This graffiti is disgusting and it's sad to think it's happened here.

"Grappenhall is a place where things like this just don't happen and whoever has done it is obviously a complete moron.

"This is obviously a reaction to what has been happening in the media and we are hoping it doesn't get out of hand," he said.

Railtrack, which owns the bridge, have said that they will remove the vandalism and the police have said the matter will be investigated.

Community sergeant Mike Jones said: "We would like to hear from anyone who has any information on the graffiti to contact us so that we can deal with the matter."

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