RACIST and homophobic graffiti has been daubed on the office of Chester’s MP Chris Matheson.

A photo of the vandalism – which includes the letters 'KKK' and 'LGBT' - has been posted on Facebook page Pride in Chester.

Mr Matheson told the Standard this evening (Monday, July 22) that the matter had now been passed to the police and he could not comment further.

However, he did say that he had recently spoken in a debate supporting people’s rights on sexuality and gender identity.

Mr Matheson said it was likely the vandals struck at the Castle Street office overnight on Sunday (July 21).

Posting the photo on Facebook, Helen Rutherford-Gregory, chair of Cheshire Stop The War Coalition, said: “This hate crime has been committed on the MP’s office today...

“This can’t be played down. It has to be taken seriously and looked at in context with other far right, nazi activity. This is a racist/homophobic attack on the MP’s office, in the face of Pride. Generation Identity and The Creativity Movement have been active in Chester, both racist, homophobic groups preparing for race war.

“We must build around diversity and reassure our LGBTQ+ community and our ethnic minority communities.”

People have been quick to condemn the hate crime.

One woman said: “And people ask why we don't have straight pride. This is the reason pride exists, I'm shocked that this behaviour exists in the 21st century. Absolutely disgusting.”

KKK refers to the Ku Klux Klan – a white supremacist hate group in the United States.

Chester Pride is due to take place at Castle Square in the city on Saturday, August 10.

In September last year the community in Handbridge was left shocked when racist hate group The Creativity Movement posted leaflets through residents' doors.

Both the police and regional counter terrorism unit were notified about their content.

At the time, ward councillor Razia Daniels told this newspaper: "The wording and sentiment expressed in this leaflet is divisive and has no place in today’s communities.

“We are proud of the diverse cultural community who live in west Cheshire and do not condone leaflets of this nature."

* Anyone with information on the latest incident should call police on 101.