A MAN has been caught on CCTV writing damning, racist messages about Islam on walls and shop fronts.

Images of the suspect, who is believed to be in his 60s or 70s, have been released.

The graffiti, written in several languages including Persian and Arabic, has been seen in various locations around Hove including Portland Road, Blatchington Road, Western Road, Church Road and George Street.

Some of the graffiti has been translated and, according to police, can be extremely offensive to those who can read it.

Some translations reported include: “Death to Islam” and “curse on Islam.”

The graffiti was cleaned off but returned overnight between 2am and 4am according to police.

Residents in the affected areas have said the graffiti is painted over, but then appears on the walls again the next day.

There have been about 80 incidents since November last year.

Sergeant Simon Renouf said: “We have been working on identifying who has been causing this graffiti and have now traced CCTV images of someone we would like to speak to. The man officers wish to speak to is believed to be in his 60 or 70s and is well dressed in black trousers and a blue smart jacket and white trainers.”

Anyone who recognises him or has any information is asked to contact police online quoting serial 819 23/6/19.