POLICE have been asked to investigate after mysterious graffiti about the UK Independence Party appeared at locations across Worcester.

The city's UKIP branch has hit out at what it calls "bizarre" scrawlings which have been spotted up Whittington Road, in Diglis and on signs placed down the A4440 Temeside Way in south Worcester.

The graffiti, daubed in white paint on black boards, says 'UKIP = ISLAM' and a version first appeared on fencing opposite Spetchley Road's Oak Apple pub, at the top of Whittington Road before it spread elsewhere in the city.

Party chiefs say they have contacted police mainly due to concerns it looks unsightly.

James Goad, who is UKIP's parliamentary candidate for Worcester, says he has no idea if it is a politically-motivated stunt or someone with a grudge against the party.

"I noticed the one in London Road as I work just over the road and I've also had a call from someone alerting me to the Temeside Way ones," he said today.

"I've reported it to the police and would encourage any members of the public who see any more do to the same.

"I have absolutely no idea at all what point they are trying to make with this or who has done it, I just find the whole thing bizarre.

"It's certainly nobody from UKIP."

West Mercia Police did not respond to requests for a comment today but it is understood that the Safer Neighbourhood Policing team in Battenhall will keep an eye on it.

The signs which appear to target the party follows similar incidents in other parts of the country, including a swastika tag with the words 'Don't vote UKIP' which were found painted down alleyways in Falmouth, near Cornwall last month.

UKIP billboards in Plymouth have also been defaced and painted with grafitti.

A party spokesman said: "The various forms of intimidation which are used against UKIP members, voters and supporting businesses are quite disturbing."

* The party says it is aiming to field candidates in all 12 Worcester City Council wards for May's local elections, one more than the 11 in 2014.