A DALTON primary school headteacher has spoken of his shock after finding racist graffiti daubed in pupil toilets following last week's Brexit vote.

David Reddy, who has been at the helm of George Romney Junior School for five years, confirmed two "intolerable" incidents had taken place over the last seven days in the form of xenophobic slurs written in pupil toilets.

News of the incidents comes as police forces nationwide reported a 57 per cent spike in hate crimes across the country - including two in Cumbria -since the result of the EU Referendum was announced last Friday.

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The scrawled messages at the Dalton junior school, which appeared on separate days, were directed towards other pupils whose families are from Romania and Poland.

Mr Reddy said he was 'deeply shocked and saddened' by the incidents he believed had been sparked by Britain's vote to leave the European Union.

"We have reported this to the police as it seems to be that the individual responsible is quite determined to continue.

"We are all deeply saddened by it and I am afraid in no doubt that this is the result of the referendum.

"This attitude has not come from within the school, it will have been unfortunately picked up from home, the community or the media, or a combination of all three," he added.

Mr Reddy, together with his team of staff, have spoken to pupils about the issue to send a 'clear message' that the graffiti constitutes 'intolerable' racism that is unacceptable within the school.

He has also offered support to the families who he remains in close contact with.
Mr Reddy added: "We have been very clear and explained that this is intolerable behaviour.

"It hasn't happened previously in this school and it won't in the future.

"We also feel very sad for the child who has written this because they clearly are misinformed and need some help to understand the situation.

"It's very distressing and upsetting for everyone, but particularly for the families involved."

George Romney Junior School, in the town's Cobden Street, achieved an outstanding rating from Ofsted on its approach to teaching children about multiculturalism and diversity.

News of the first incident sparked a fierce debate on the social media platform Twitter - prompting responses from users who expressed their shock that intolerance had seeped into a primary school setting as well as from others who suggested the incident had been made up.

Cumbria Constabulary confirmed there was now an ongoing investigation into a report of 'racially aggravated vandalism' at George Romney Junior School.

The force's hate crime lead; Detective Chief Inspector Roy Ledingham, said: "Hate crime will not be tolerated in this county and any allegation will be fully investigated.

"Such crimes can leave a long-lasting effect on the victim and there is simply no excuse for someone to be subjected to such abuse."

Police are now appealing for anyone who has witnessed or has information regarding hate crimes to come forward and make contact with Cumbria Police by calling 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.