An inquiry has been launched following the discovery of “appalling” graffiti in a children’s playground located in a park in north-east London during the Easter weekend.

Caroline Woodley, the mayor of Hackney, took to social media to express her outrage over the vandalism after swastikas appeared on rocks in Clissold Park, Stoke Newington, on Easter Sunday.

She noted that officials were dispatched that evening and the following morning to erase the offensive markings.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that they are looking into the incident as a hate crime, indicating that their investigations are ongoing.

Data from the Metropolitan Police, as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), revealed that 443 incidents of antisemitic hate crimes have been recorded in the borough since March 2023.

Clissold Park is situated near two Jewish institutions: the Kehillah North London community centre to its south-east and the Adath Yisroel synagogue to its north-east.

On platform X, Woodley condemned the graffiti as “appalling,” asserting that “there is no room for hate.”

Local councillor Fliss Premru denounced the act as “disgusting,” stating that it would not be accepted in their community.

She informed the LDRS that park users promptly reported the vandalism, which was swiftly addressed by council and park staff.

“The police were notified as soon as possible,” added the independent councillor.

Labour councillor Susan Fajana Thomas, who oversees community safety and regulatory services in the borough, remarked: “Hackney Council unequivocally denounces the hateful graffiti that emerged in a local play area this week.

“This conduct is completely intolerable and has no place in our community.”

She emphasized: “We are dedicated to ensuring that every resident in Hackney feels secure in public areas, particularly those meant for children and families.

“We are collaborating closely with partners, including the police, to investigate this issue further and take any necessary actions.”