A SWASTIKA has been spray painted on a wall next to an infant school.

The symbol was used as the emblem of Adolf Hitler’s German Nazi party, responsible for the death of a reported six million Jews during the Holocaust.

Nick Beck, chairman of the Sussex Jewish Outreach Group, said: "Obviously we want to obliterate it.

"It is very sad that this is still being done.

"There is very little anti-Semitism in the Brighton and Worthing areas, thank goodness.

"Whether these people are doing it as an anti-Semitic act or a protest against the left in general, I don't know.

"But if you exaggerate its importance you give the people responsible gratification.

"It needs to be removed as quickly as possible."

The display of the swastika flag is banned in several countries including Germany and the USA.

The black painting has been scrawled over the top of an image of a red and yellow hammer and sickle.

This symbol was used on the Soviet Union’s flag between 1955 and 1991.

Cllr Edward Crouch, Worthing Borough Council's executive member for environment, said: "I am extremely disturbed to see such hateful and disturbing graffiti in a public place, particularly in this location which is near a school.

"As a council we take a zero-tolerance approach to offensive and racist markings.

"As soon as I was made aware of this incident, I reported the graffiti and a cleansing team was immediately dispatched to remove it.

"Anyone can report instances of graffiti via the council website - www.adur-worthing.gov.uk."

The graffiti was discovered in an alleyway off Salvington Road, Worthing.

Durrington Infant School is also located in this road.

The school has pupils aged between three and 11-years-old, including a nursery for pre-school children.