POLICE a hunting a mystery graffiti vandal who has defaced a number of buildings across Brighton and Hove.

The tag, which appears to be a clenched fist, has appeared across the city, leaving people miffed as to who is responsible.

It started appearing across the city about a month ago leading to numerous calls to The Argus.

Over recent days three large versions of the tag appeared at ground level on the side of Barclays bank in North Street.

The image appears to be a clenched fist with a P in the middle.

Robert Bryson, 34, who lives in Seven Dials, Brighton, said: “I think whoever this is is making the city look a real mess.

“Don’t get me wrong, I like street art but this is totally different to some of the beautiful murals you will see in Kensington Street.

“Brighton is starting to look a bit of a mess and the sooner this person is stopped the better in my opinion.”

The tag has been spotted across the city.

There is a small basic white version under the bridge in New England Road on the way down the hill to Preston Circus.

There are also a number of versions along London Road, including on Boots.

The Co-op in London Road has also got the same treatment.

Perhaps most notably there are three of the tags on the Barclays building in North Street.

The three, which appear on the front page today, stand out as they are at ground level, whereas most others are at height.

There is also a version on windows in Fleet Street.

Robert Perry, a partner at Brighton-based property development firm Stiles Harold Williams, insists authorities need to clamp down on the issue.

Mr Perry, who has worked in Brighton for almost 30 years, said: “I think the graffiti makes Brighton look disgusting – you wouldn’t get this in the West End of London.

“I know it is hard to compare Brighton to the West End, but, like London, we are a city, and we should be proud of being one.

“I think the council needs to do more to put people off doing graffiti.”

Mr Bryson added: “Brighton has a reputation for being cool and edgy but I think most people would view this as something completely different.

“It is a real shame. Where does it stop? What’s to stop this person tagging the Royal Pavilion or one of our prized Regency properties?

“The police need to get on to this person as soon as possible.”

Police treat unauthorised graffiti as criminal damage and serial taggers in the past have been handed punishments.