Metro station targeted with racist graffiti as police launch investigation

Northumbria Police received a report shortly before 2pm yesterday, Monday, May 17 that racist graffiti had been daubed on the bridge at Seaburn Metro Station in Sunderland.

A spokesperson for the Force say enquiries are currently ongoing to identify those responsible and those involved will be dealt with “swiftly and robustly”.

Metro operator, Nexus said they will be reviewing all CCTV footage in a bid to catch the offenders and has condemned the ‘offensive’ graffiti.

A Nexus spokesperson said: “Offensive graffiti has no place in society and this matter has been reported to the police to investigate.

“If anyone has any information about this hate crime then we urge them to report it as soon as possible. We will do all we can to support the police enquiries, including a review of all available CCTV footage.

“The railway line between Pelaw and South Hylton is managed by Network Rail. They have been made aware of the graffiti and will get it cleaned off.”

Network Rail said the graffiti will be removed by the end of the day.

A Network Rail spokesperson said: “Network Rail is attending Seaburn station this afternoon and the graffiti on the bridge is expected to be covered by 3pm.

“Cleaning or covering graffiti costs millions of pounds of taxpayers’ money each year and uses valuable time, which could be used making improvements to the railway. If you see someone graffiting on the railway, please report it to the British Transport Police by calling 0800 40 50 40 or texting 61016.”

Newly elected local Councillor Michael Hartnack has praised Network Rail for their speedy response to the vandalism.

He said: “I’m really impressed with how quickly Network Rail have resolved this, it’s been sorted as soon as possible – I’m delighted with the outcome.”

Northumbria police is asking anyone with information to contact them via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of their website or by calling 101 quoting log 536 170521.

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